Scientific Data Analyst for Gaia (SOA-12)
Aurora is an established supplier of skilled manpower to ESA and in particular at ESTEC and ESAC. Aurora has the opportunity to expand our support to the GAIA project at ESTEC, in The Netherlands, for the following work.Overview
Gaia is a major astronomical space telescope, currently being built within the ESA science programme. A large and active scientific community is preparing for the start of the mission and in particular for the data processing and analysis. These preparatory activities are organized within the framework of the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) comprising about 400 members throughout Europe.The ESA Project Scientist is responsible for all scientific aspects of the mission. Assisted by a small team of scientists, he acts as an interface between the scientific community (DPAC) and the ESA Project team responsible for managing the fabrication, test, launch and commissioning of the spacecraft.
As part of the ongoing spacecraft development, a large quantity of test data has been acquired (and continues to be acquired). Much of this data is dedicated to understanding the effect that radiation damage in the Gaia detectors will have upon the performance of Gaia during the mission. Results of these tests are used to define the optimum operating strategy to minimize the effects of radiation damage, and also to determine and implement a strategy for radiation damage calibration in the data processing. The purpose of this work package is to provide manpower within the Project Scientist’s team dedicated to radiation test data analysis and interpretation.
The candidate will be a member of the Project Scientist's Support Team based at ESA’s ESTEC establishment in the Netherlands. The role of the team is to support and advise the Gaia project team (at ESTEC), the Gaia Science Operation Centre team (at ESAC) and the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) on all scientific aspects of the mission. In particular the tasks include:
- Conduct detailed and thorough analysis of data produced by Industry during a series of radiation test campaigns. In conducting this activity, the candidate shall be guided by scientists in Cambridge, Lund, Leiden, the Project Scientist’s team, ESAC and elsewhere who have many years experience in analyzing astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic data.
- Contribute to the definition and implementation of a radiation calibration strategy within the Gaia data processing pipeline. Several strategies have been proposed. Implementation depends upon results and parameters coming from test data analysis.
- In addition to working closely with the scientific (DPAC) community, the candidate may be required to communicate results and interpretation to the Gaia Project team, the Gaia Science Operations team and industry. This will be particularly relevant where results have programmatic and operational implications.
Specific qualification requirements
PhD or comparable experience in Astronomy or related scientific field.Specific knowledge is required in the following areas:
- Proven experience in astronomical or equivalent large-scale data analysis
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Fluency in English is a requirement
- Knowledge of Java is an asset
All applicants must hold a valid passport from a country of the European Union.
Location
The work will be performed on-site at ESTEC and will also require to travel and to spend extended periods working in several European institutes.
Contract
- The selected candidate will receive excellent remuneration.
- Will be registered for both social security and tax in The Netherlands.
- The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 27 annual days holiday.
- Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
- Aurora can assist with relocation.
- The start date is negotiable.
To be considered for this Position
Provide prior to 28 August 2009 a complete and detailed Recruitment Form to Mr. Alex Jeanes, email: alexjeanes @ aurora.nl quoting reference SOA-12.
Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting their recruitment form to ESA on or before 4 September 2009. ESA will select the candidates for interview and Aurora will provide for interview travel costs. Should ESA select you then a formal letter of employment shall be issued with an agreed start date.