Open Position Maintenance and subsystem technician for the operation of the MAGIC telescopes

Opening Date:
Closing Date:
Ref:IFAE2024/43_PD_MAGIC SUPPORT TECHNICIAN (ISLA DE PALMA)

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main goal is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute" attached to UAB and its premises are within the campus of the university.

About the MAGIC project

MAGIC is a system of two Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes for the observation of the universe in the very high energy gamma-ray band (photon energies above 50 GeV). The system has been operating in stereoscopic mode since summer 2009 and is a leading facility in high energy gamma-ray astrophysics. IFAE is one of the founding members of the MAGIC collaboration and has been involved in all aspects of the project, from its design and construction to the development of the data analysis and Scientific exploitation. Our group is also responsible for the science data center of the MAGIC collaboration, located at the neighboring Port d’Informació Cientìfica (PIC). Further information about MAGIC can be found in this link: http://magic.mppmu.mpg.de/

What will be your role?

The successful candidate will join the team that works at the MAGIC telescope site, at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). Her/his main tasks will be related to maintenance of the telescopes and their various subsystems. The successful candidate is expected to have basic understanding of computer networking, as well as in the installation and maintenance of network devices. Familiarity with Linux and scientific/technical software (e.g., LabVIEW, Autocad, MATLAB) is desired, and a knowledge of programming languages (e.g., python, Java) is an asset. Job tasks include performing scheduled and preventive maintenance on electrical/mechanical systems to ensure safe and efficient operations, as well as diagnosing and repairing device faults using specialized equipment and tools. Other tasks include ordering and procuring electrical/mechanical parts and components; reading and interpreting diagrams, schematics, and blueprints; and providing technical advice and support to other members of the team. Maintenance tasks sometimes require accessing the telescope structure, which qualifies as “work at height” – previous experience is not mandatory, and training will be provided, but the candidate should have no health issues incompatible with this type of work. The candidate is expected to help in investigating and solving problems that may occur during nighttime telescope operations. The candidate is also expected to participate in the eventual installation of new hardware. All activities are expected to be done in collaboration with other personnel working at the MAGIC site, as well as with scientists, engineers and technicians coming from various international research groups in the MAGIC collaboration. Because of the diverse environment, it is expected that the candidate is open minded, has good communication skills, and is an excellent team player. Intercultural experience is an asset. The candidate may also be asked to participate occasionally in night-time observations together with researchers of the MAGIC collaboration. Support and training will be provided on-the-job by other highly experienced team members.

The successful candidate will join the MAGIC collaboration as a full member, and a travel budget to participate in MAGIC meetings will be available. The working time is somewhat flexible and is typically coordinated with the other members of the local team at the MAGIC site, as well as with the external scientists that travel to the observatory from the various research groups in the MAGIC collaboration.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

Applicants should hold a technical degree in an electronics/electrical and/or mechanical field. Experience with other telescopes or detectors for high-energy physics or astrophysics is a plus but is not mandatory. The candidate should have a good command of English (speaking and writing) and knowledge of Spanish is an asset. Given the location of the observatory, the candidate is also required to have a driving license that is valid in Spain upon taking up the position.

The position is available immediately. The contract is initially for two years, with possible extension depending on further funding of the project. MAGIC is an equal opportunity collaboration committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

All applications received by November 8th will receive full consideration. The selection process will include an interview (by video conference) with the candidate.

The evaluation criteria and their weighting for the submitted applications will be the following:

  • Skills and relevant experience, based on the CV: 50 points
  • References: 30 points
  • Language skills: 20 points

Offered contract:

  • Full-time contract (40 hours/week)
  • Workplace: La Palma Island (Islas Canarias /Canary Island)
  • “Contrato Indefinido para actividades científico-técnicas” (6-month trial period). This contract is linked to the financial support of the project.
  • IFAE Professional category: SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
  • Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
  • The selected candidate is expected to start the contract as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process:

Applications should be submitted moralejo@ifae.es ; rrhh@ifae.es stating the job reference (IFAE2024/43_PD_MAGIC SUPPORT TECHNICIAN (ISLA DE PALMA) as the Subject of the message. Applications must include a CV and contact information (e-mail and/or phone) of two references. The candidate may also include a motivation letter explaining why she/he would like to join the team at the MAGIC site. Sending CVs to the above addresses implies consent to the IFAE’s legal warning on data privacy.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on-line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

According to the laws affecting the public sector, priority will be given to candidates fulfilling the required skills with a current labour relationship with any of the Administrations of the consortium (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona).

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

You may contact Abelardo Moralejo (moralejo@ifae.es ) for any questions related to this job opening.