Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term) related to the analysis and processing of the Gaia photometric data

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, July 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Friday, July 29, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
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Foreign
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Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, UK
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unknown
Announcement
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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2018 in the first instance.

The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) at the West Cambridge site has a leading role in the processing and analysis of the photometric data collected by the European mission Gaia. The IoA hosts most of the members (including leading roles) of the Coordination Unit 5 (CU5) responsible for the photometric data produced by the Gaia mission. This includes integrated photometry in the broad G-band and low resolution spectroscopy from the Blue and Red Photometers. The IoA is also the location of the Data Processing Centre operating the photometry software pipeline. The core of the Science Alerts team also resides at the IoA.

Following the cyclic nature of the Gaia processing within the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC), the first photometric catalogue has now been released to the other DPAC systems and a selection of that catalogue is being validated to be included in the first public data release planned for the summer of 2016.

The basic algorithms for the calibration of the data have been implemented, however additions and improvements to deal with complex or non-nominal cases will be needed in the near future. There are one or more positions to fill. The successful candidate would be part of the CU5 team and would be expected to participate in the validation of the processing outputs and in the investigations triggered by findings from the validation (internal to CU5 or within DPAC) and by other downstream users (from within DPAC and from the outside world once the data is public).

Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field or have submitted by the time of appointment. The candidate should have a good understanding of photometry and statistics. Proven experience of data analysis and processing specially in the context of large and complex data sets is required. A familiarity with instrumentation and calibration would be useful. A knowledge of the Java and/or Python programming language would be desirable but is not strictly required. Good team working and interpersonal skills will be required to communicate with colleagues in other European institutes and ESA, and some travel will be necessary.

The candidate is expected to start on the 1st of September or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is funded until 31st December 2018. Extensions of the contract are likely to be possible subject to funding. The salary scale will be £28,982 to £37,768 or £25,023 to £28,892 p.a. depending on experience plus superannuation benefits.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'To Apply Online' Link above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. Please submit your application by midnight (GMT) of the closing date of Monday, 1st August 2016. If you have any queries about your application, please email Ms Joy McSharry (jpm(at)ast.cam.ac.uk). Further information is available from Dr Dafydd Wyn Evans (dwe(at)ast.cam.ac.uk)

Please ensure that you upload your CV, cover letter, publications list and research statement in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. The names and contact details of three referees are a necessary part of the submission. Referees will be contacted following your application but applicants are strongly advised to prepare nominated refere letters by the deadline of midnight (GMT) Monday, 15th August 2016.

Please quote reference LG09370 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacany.

The University values diveristy and is committed to equality of opportunity.  The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK

 

Included Benefits: 
Application Deadline: 
Monday, August 1, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
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