Untitled - Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de l'Observatoire de Grenoble

Chapter 13
Recruitment plan
GRIL needs are two-fold: researchers with instrumental skills able to fullfill key responsabilities in large projects
or with research programs in specific technological fields that are at the heart of our R&D projects; engineers with
a strong motivation in R&D activities and expertise in the fields that are of importance for our developments.
Because of the strong commitment the LAOG has towards the VLT Planet Finder realisation and that of
the VLTI 2µm imager, very likely to be scheduled soon, it is essential to increase our resources in some very
specific fields of expertise in order to maintain and consolidate our R&D capabilities. For this reason, during
the next quadrennal period, GRIL should either recruit or welcome external persons on the various profiles
described below according to the two categories, pure instrumental profiles (GRIL recruitments) and mixed
astrophysical-instrumental profiles (thematic team recruitement with participation to GRIL activities).
GRIL profiles
1. Adaptive optics R&D and system
Goal: Increase the LAOG capabilities in AO instrumentation. Because of our major involvement in the
large PF project, most of our capabilities connected to AO expertise will be focused on the realisation
of this instrument. In order to succeed in this whole pursuing our innovative R&D activities in AO, we
need to increase our global capabilities in AO components R&D and/or system definition by recruiting
an AO-oriented instrumentalist researcher accompaning the recruitment of an AO-dedicated project manager/system
engineer (IR1). This should occur in the fall of 2006.
Target: 2007 or 2008
2. Nulling interferometry at thermal IR wavelengths
Goal: Preparation studies for Darwin. In parallel and support to R&D on thermal IR guiding optics,
such as IODA and other possible studies in preparation for DARWIN, we have identified the need for
a researcher strongly dedicated to the search for planets in MIR in general and personally involved in
the preparation of DARWIN or precursor missions. He would have to pilot the preparatory studies that
LAOG is performing and possibly going to enlarge in the frame of its pluriannual commitment to ESA
and ALCATEL ALENIA partnership.
Target: 2007
3. JMMC support for 4-6T exploitation
Goal: Participation to the JMMC developments supporting the VLTI evolution toward more than 3 beams.
LAOG has a special role in the JMMC since it harbors the coordination center and some key members
of the working groups. Because of its probable involvement in a second generation instrument, it should
also help in developing the dedicated tools for the VLTI exploitation.
Target: 2008
It should be noted that these profiles might evolve according to the actual profile of the MdC who should
be recruited in section 34 or any other recruitment possibly achieved in 2006.
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