The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) is one of the leading institutions in the field of applied laser research. With approximately 250 employees, basic research, applied research and industrial developments are realised. The Optical Coatings Group of the Optical Components Department is looking to recruit, at the earliest possible date, a

Research associate (m/f/d) in the field of development of AI-based image recognition of laser damage spots
Field of specialization: Optical technologies, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, or comparable
(Job-ID: 71949)

The development and production of optical functional layers and the appropriate characterization processes is a current field of research in the area of photonics, which extends the limits of currently feasible optical systems and opens up new applications. The Optical Coatings Group (OSC) researches and develops coating systems, the necessary manufacturing processes, the materials used, and specialized characterization methods in order to produce high-performance optical components. As a research associate, you will work in a group with other researchers on a project to research a large-scale laser system for nuclear fusion applications. Your tasks in the project will deal specifically with the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of optical components of the target system. The core part of the work will be the development of an AI-based software solution to automatically recognize and match laser-induced damage to optical components. The central challenge here is the integration of the developed software into the measurements required in the project and the verification of the AI-based results with existing empirical values. Furthermore, you will adapt the measurement procedure to the special requirements of the laser system for nuclear fusion applications envisaged in the project.

The work focuses on:

• Conceptualization, development, and implementation of an AI-based image processing approach for the detection of laser-induced damage on optical components
• Support in the creation of suitable training data sets from existing measurement data
• Integration of the developed routine into existing LIDT measuring stations
• Participation in LIDT measurements in cooperation with researchers within the overall project, both at the LZH and on large laser systems
• Independent organization of your work and communication with project partners
• Presentation of the results at scientific conferences

Work environment:

The work in the research group at the LZH offers you an extraordinary environment and the best conditions for a doctorate. We offer:

• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary team in a cooperative working environment
• Independent work in an innovative organization
• Participation in an innovative large-scale research project
• Versatile and exciting tasks
• Insight and integration into current research topics in optical coating
• Close proximity to national and international industry and research partners
• Company pension scheme

Requirements:

• A degree (diploma/master's degree) with above-average performance in information technology, natural sciences, or engineering
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Experience with AI-based data processing is an advantage
• Ideally, experience with optical measurement methods, image recognition, and laser technology (lateral entry is possible)
• Interest in putting the developed concepts into practice
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Sense of responsibility, determination, and reliability

Temporary employment in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz and remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states depending on qualifications and activities up to TV-L ¾ E13. The possibility of a doctorate is given.

People with severe disabilities are given preference if they are equally qualified.

The LZH emphasizes professional gender equality.

Please send your application stating the job ID 71949 to:

Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.
Dr. Andreas Wienke
Hollerithallee 8
30419 Hannover
Tel.: 0511-2788-261
E-Mail: bewerbung@lzh.de

Note on data protection in applications and in the application process
The LZH collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of processing the application process. The processing can also be done electronically. This is especially the case if an applicant submits the corresponding application documents by electronic means, for example by e-mail.

If the LZH concludes a contract of employment with an applicant, the transmitted data will be stored for the purpose of executing the employment relationship in compliance with the statutory provisions. If no contract of employment with the applicant is concluded by the LZH, the application documents will be deleted six months after the announcement of the rejection decision, provided that deletion does not conflict with any other legitimate interests of the LZH. Other legitimate interest in this sense, for example, a burden of proof in a procedure under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

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