Instrument Scientist · Optical Systems & Telescope Operations
Light Bridges invites applications for an Instrument Scientist position within CORVUS, a project developing an end-to-end GPU-accelerated platform for the detection and characterisation of fast-moving, very faint objects (near-Earth objects and space debris), advancing global Planetary Defence capabilities. Coordinated by Light Bridges with the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) and the Universidad de Oviedo (UniOvi). This is a hands-on instrumentation role keeping the Two-meter Twin Telescope (TTT) and Transient Survey Telescope (TST) performing at the level CORVUS’s detection algorithms require: active optics, mechanical design of instrument parts, daily data-quality monitoring, and participation in observing campaigns. Requires regular on-site presence at Teide Observatory.
Key details
- Reference: LB-CORVUS-03
- Employment type: Full time, indefinite contract
- Location: Primarily remote, with regular visits to Teide Observatory (Tenerife); on-site presence required during observing campaigns
- Start date: 01/11/2026
- Application deadline: 27/09/2026
- Salary: approx. €39,700 gross/year
- Contract funded through February 2029
Requirements
PhD in a quantitative discipline (physics, optics, astrophysics, mechanical/optical engineering) obtained before end of 2026; hands-on mechanical design for telescope or optical instrumentation; working Python for data analysis and automation; professional-level English.
Nice to have
CAD (tolerancing, design for manufacturability), Zemax or similar optical design software, active/adaptive optics operational experience, opto-mechanical integration and alignment, telescope control systems, Solar System science or SSA research background.
Responsibilities
Continuous improvement of optical quality through active optics models; mechanical design of parts and subsystems for new instruments; daily monitoring of data quality; improving on-telescope processes and algorithms; participating in observing campaigns within CORVUS, working alongside a group of 6 to 10 astronomers, software engineers and researchers, with particularly close ties to the Operations Team.
How to apply
Send a CV and a short letter (max. 2 pages) to , stating what you could bring to the project and how your profile fits it. Questions about the position are welcome at the same address. Links to designs, instruments you have worked on, or technical publications you are proud of are more useful to us than long lists of courses.
