PDRA in PSF modelling implementation for the Euclid mission

Applications are invited for a PDRA in PSF modelling implementation for the Euclid mission. 

The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 24 Months. The availability of the post is subject to confirmation of funding from the U.K. Space Agency.

Reporting to Professor Lance Miller, the post holder is a member of the Oxford Astrophysics research group, with responsibility for the implementation and testing of point spread function (PSF) modelling for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid mission, funded by the U.K. Space Agency (UKSA).

Knowledge of Euclid’s PSF is crucial to the success of the mission’s weak lensing survey. Oxford has led the development of PSF modelling methods for this mission, including wavefront phase retrieval methods to be applied to in-orbit data, the generation of PSF models, and analysis of the errors and biases that arise when propagated into weak lensing shear measurement. The post-holder will be expected to build on our work in this project to date; to develop, test and verify both current and new algorithms; to evaluate the PSF modelling in the context of weak lensing shear measurement; to quantify and investigate biases that arise in the modelling; and to assist in building and validating the primary Euclid Science Ground Segment PSF modelling pipeline software. 

The post-holder would become a member of the Euclid Consortium and will be expected to collaborate with others within the UK and across the international consortium.

The post-holder would have the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of the Euclid mission’s weak lensing survey.

The post-holder would be expected to publish their work in refereed science journals or in Euclid technical notes.

The applicant should either hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field or be close to completing.

Candidates will be expected to work efficiently on specific technical tasks associated with point spread function modelling, in coordination with the Oxford team and working within the Euclid Consortium, co-ordinating with colleagues at other institutes in the UK and internationally.

The post-holder may have the opportunity to teach undergraduate tutorials and laboratory classes, or to assist in undergraduate research projects.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Lance Miller. [email protected]

Only applications received before midday 16 July 2021 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests and a CV. Applicants should arrange for 2 References to be sent to [email protected]  before the closing date