Scientific research and development work on the design and development of an underground laser interferometer prototype, which will serve as a technology demonstrator for the planned Einstein Telescope, a third-generation gravitational wave observatory:

• development, design and characterization of the seismically isolating suspension of the test masses for the detector based on existing concepts
• planning, design, construction, and execution of experiments at the limits of feasibility, limited by seismic and thermal noise as well as quantum noise
• outbuilding and running multi-body and multi-physics simulations
• research on subsystems (validation of sub-functions) using above-ground laboratory setups, including vacuum and cryogenic technology
• transfer of the results to the use case of the Einstein Telescope
• scientific exchange with colleagues in the Einstein Telescope Community
• presentation of the obtained results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals
• supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students as well as doctoral candidates

• university degree (Master's/Diploma) in mechanical engineering, optical engineering or a comparable course of study
• several years of professional experience or a doctorate in one of the above fields
• ability to work under pressure, flexibility and adaptability in an evolving organization
• high level of communication skills, ability to work in a team and a proactive approach
• interdisciplinary way of working
• willingness to travel for business
• business fluent in English; knowledge of German is advantageous
• knowledge of the following is preferable:
  o multi-body and multi-physics simulation
  o control theory
  o CAD
  o optical interferometry
  o vacuum and cryogenics

• the chance to contribute to the development of the largest research center for astrophysics in Germany
• the opportunity to play an active role in shaping structural change in Upper Lusatia
• the opportunity to establish the personnel requirements to support the discovery of groundbreaking research results and to contribute to the realization of research projects
• a dynamic, committed, international and interdisciplinary environment with renowned experts from science and industry
• remuneration according to TV-L, as well as conditions and social benefits of the public sector
• compatibility of family and career
• The possibility of permanent employment after the start-up phase.

The TUD and the DZA strive to employ more women in academia and research. We, therefore, expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.
Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents by March 21, 2025 (stamped arrival date or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies) quoting the reference number w25-052, preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to dza@tu-dresden.de or to: Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik (DZA), Herrn Alexander Welk, Postplatz 1, 02826 Görlitz, Deutschland. Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.