Chalmers University of Technology strives for academic excellence while addressing the challenges and needs of society and industry. We offer a creative and dynamic environment for research, education, innovation, and applied science. We are now looking for a Staff Scientist and/or a Senior Research Scientist to join our team and help strengthen our ongoing research.
About Onsala Space Observatory
Onsala Space Observatory (OSO) is Sweden’s national infrastructure for radio astronomy and space geodesy. Operated by Chalmers University of Technology, OSO designs, builds, and operates world-class radio telescopes and advanced instrumentation that enables cutting-edge research, from black holes and galaxy evolution to Earth sciences.
OSO is currently developing new receivers for its 20 m telescope at Onsala and for the APEX and ALMA millimetre wave telescopes in Chile. To support these ambitious plans the observatory is seeking an expansion in its receiver development personnel via the recruitment of (up to) two new Senior Research Engineers with documented expertise in the areas of radio frequency and Terahertz engineering and electronics.
Department and work environment
The national infrastructure OSO forms the largest part of the division of the same name which forms part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of the university’s largest departments. The department spans a wide range of fundamental and applied research in physics as well as astronomy theory, observations, and instrumentation development.
The staff of the OSO division at the Physics and Astronomy department are distributed between:
- The Onsala Observatory site (≈45 km south of Gothenburg) hosts OSO’s 25 m and 20 m radio telescopes, the Onsala Twin Telescopes, two 12 m diameter radio telescopes, a metre wavelength phased array radio telescope (LOFAR) and extensive geoscience instrumentation. OSO’s Technical Support Group (TSG) is located at the site where it maintains and develops the local telescopes and instrumentation.
- Chalmers Johanneberg campus, located in central Gothenburg hosts OSO’s Group for Advanced Receiver Development (GARD). The GARD unit develops mm-wave and Terahertz receivers, primarily, for ALMA or sub-mm observatories, making use of its close access to world-class cleanroom micro-fabrication facilities. Also located on campus are OSO’s staff providing computing support to international radio telescopes and the department’s academic astronomy staff.
The position
Depending on your technical specialization, the position will be held either in the Technical Support Group at the Onsala site or the GARD unit on the Chalmers Johanneberg campus. At least 70% of your time will be allocated to project work on the new Triband Camera for the Onsala 20 m radio telescope and/or ALMA receiver development. The remaining percentage would be allocated to other duties supporting the operation and development of OSO’s instrumentation.
The Triband Camera and other millimetre wave receiver projects
Funded by a generous grant from the Hasselblad Foundation, the new Triband Camera for Onsala’s 20 m telescope will enable simultaneous observations at wavelengths of 13 mm, 7 mm, and 3 mm. By using longer-wavelength data to correct atmospheric effects at shorter wavelengths, the upgraded 20 m telescope will achieve sensitivity comparable to relocating it to an altitude of approximately 2700 m.
The new Triband camera features an innovative optical design with fully cooled, frequency-selective mirrors housed inside a highly evacuated cryostat. The project is expected to deliver one of the world’s most sensitive multi-band receivers for radio astronomy, significantly enhancing OSO’s capabilities for imaging black holes and other astrophysical phenomena. OSO is also involved in developing new receiver projects for shorter millimetre or submillimetre wavelengths for use on the ground (for ALMA) or from space. A suitably qualified person with front-end experience will work on these projects as well as the Triband project.
Job Description
You will take on an important technical role within the project team of the Triband Camera project; depending on your specialist knowledge you will work on the front-end (optics/cryogenic receiver) or back-end (down-conversion and data sampling) aspects of the receiver development and construction. The person recruited with front-end expertise will also work on the development of (sub)millimetre receivers for future ground based and potential space based projects. The employment title will be determined in accordance with Chalmers University’s Appointment Regulations for Research Support Staff, based on the candidate’s level of education and experience. The work location assigned (Onsala, central Gothenburg or shared) will also depend on your specific skills.
Qualifications
Required for Senior research engineer:
- An M.Sc. degree in RF / optics/ Electronics or Physics.
- Several years of experience it at least one of the following areas
- Antenna Engineering or quasi-optics design for receivers and/or radio telescopes
- Radio astronomy cryogenic receiver system design.
- RF design of components, circuits or systems.
- Down-conversion, data transport, and high-speed data sampling
- Integration of receiver hardware and software components
- Good communication skills in English
- For employment based at Onsala – a category B driving license is essential
Required for Staff scientist:
- An Ph.D. degree in RF / optics/ Electronics or Physics.
- Several years of experience it at least one of the following areas
- Antenna Engineering or quasi-optics design for receivers and/or radio telescopes
- Radio astronomy cryogenic receiver system design.
- RF design of components, circuits or systems.
- Down-conversion, data transport, and high-speed data sampling
- Integration of receiver hardware and software components
- Good communication skills in English
- For employment based at Onsala – a category B driving license is essential
Meritorious for both positions:
- Several years of experience working in two or more of the following areas
- Antenna Engineering or Quasi-optics design for receivers and/or radio telescope
- Radio astronomy cryogenic receiver system design.
- RF design of components, circuits or systems.
- Down-conversion, data transport, and high-speed data sampling
- Integration of standard receiver hardware and software components
- Software and simulation experience (Keysight ADS, CST Microwave Studio, Cadence, Inventor, Python, MATLAB
- Hands-on RF systems and circuits characterization using e.g., VNA, Spectrum analyzer, noise figure meters
- Good communication skills in Swedish
Personal qualities
You take initiative and enjoy solving complex technical problems. You can work independently with a strong sense of responsibility but also value working within multi-disciplinary teams. An interest in both project-driven development and long-term operational support of advanced scientific infrastructure is essential.
Why Join OSO?
At Onsala Space Observatory, you will work at the frontier of radio astronomy instrumentation, contributing directly to facilities that explore the universe while being part of a collegial, international research environment. The offered positions provide a rare opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with hands-on involvement in developing flagship scientific instrumentation through construction to operation.
Employment
This is a full-time permanent position, starting with a six-month probationary period.
What we offer
Chalmers provides a dynamic and inspiring environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg, combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, equality, and collaboration.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our employee benefits. Learn more about life in Gothenburg and Sweden’s family-friendly policies, including generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, free education, and universal healthcare, at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers promotes gender balance and actively works with equality and inclusion initiatives, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
Application
Submit your application in English through our recruitment portal. All files should be in PDF format (max 40 MB each; ZIP files not supported).
- Personal letter – your motivation and interest in Chalmers.
- CV
- Certificates and supporting documents – including your doctoral degree certificate, documentation of awards, or teaching merits.
Only complete applications submitted through the portal will be considered.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Application deadline: June 26, 2026
Contact
For questions about the position, please contact:
Roger Hammargren
Email: [email protected]
Vincent Desmaris
Email: [email protected]
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and still has the same motto today: Avancez – forward.
