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Science Operations Support, XMMNewton, RTCSRE052
2013-12-04 12:36:29| Space-careers.com Jobs RSS
Science Operations Support, XMMNewton, based at European Space Astronomy Centre, Madrid, Spain Sercos space heritage over the last 40 years has placed us in the Space News Top 50 Space Industry Manufacturing and Services Companies. With over 1500 staff in the space business covering a wide spectrum of experience and skills, we convey best practice, expertise and innovation in our business. All members of our recruitment team have extensive space experience, so have the insight necessary to support you through the application process. For our activities in the European Space Astronomy Centre we are currently seeking to employ a scientist to work in the XMMNewton Users Support Group USG supporting the scientific users of the mission from proposal submission until the analysis of their data for scientific interpretation. Specific tasks Support to the Observing Time Allocation Committee OTAC The OTAC reviews all incoming observation proposals and determines which observations should be assigned observing time. Optimisation to the observations of accepted proposals The USG scientists assist astronomers in optimising the setup of the instruments to carry out the desired observation and assure the safety of the instruments. Maintenance of user support documentation and helpdesk service Users are kept informed about the status of the mission and about support services through extensive support documentation offered on the XMMNewton web pages. A helpdesk service operates to assist individual users with queries. Longterm mission planning To ensure that all high priority observations are performed a long term observing plan is maintained and regularly updated. This includes arranging coordinated observations with other observatories The scheduling process and the scheduling of Targets of Opportunity The USG scientists participate in the process of observation scheduling. They have to be able to support, or replace, the scientific scheduler. In case of special astronomical events the schedule of observations may have to be changed at short notice. Therefore one community support scientist must always be contactable, including outside normal office hours, through an oncall service. This task is organised on a rota. Calibration and monitoring of the scientific instruments The scientific instruments are calibrated regularly and their behavior is monitored continuously by the SOC Instrument Dedicated Teams IDT. The USG scientists participate in these IDT activities, this in turn helps them also to gain competence to help users interpret and understand their data. Participation on the activities related to the systematic processing of all scientific mission data as they become available through a pipeline in order to produce highlevel products of direct use by the scientific community and for ingestion the archive. In particular, the USG scientists are responsible for the quality control of the pipeline products. Participation in the production and regular updating of the XMMNewton source catalogues, most importantly in the definition of their content and in their scientific validation. Provision of user requirements for the Science Archive, checking their implementation, monitoring and improving its performance and its use by the community and interacting with the Scientific Archives Team at ESAC, with the aim of maximizing the value of the XMMNewton Science Archive, the tool for the astronomers to get access to the data and the main legacy from XMMNewton to the astronomical community. This is done by provision of the Archive Scientist as one of the members of the USG, who shares this responsibility with other team responsibilities. Performing scientific research using available scientific tools. However, this must under no circumstances interfere with the operational duties as defined above which always take priority. The policy established within the XMMNewton team for assigning time for research will be applied, as determined for all personnel, by ESA line management. Qualifications and Requirements Applicants require a Ph.D. or equivalent in astrophysics, physics or mathematics or related field, in the later cases with an astrophysical orientation. You must have a strong background in astronomical research with a good record of science publications in the astronomical refereed Several years working in research institutes or universities at postdoctoral level will be an advantage, as well as experience in satellite operations, support to astronomers using space observatories and space borne instruments calibration. You will be experienced in using IT systems and modern operating systems, additionally have a background in developing small software programs to support the routine tasks of the group. Communication, relationship, management and teamwork competences are important, together with good planning and organisational skills. You will be comfortable in an international working environment. Must be fluent in English, both spoken and written, additional EU languages are an asset Essential A scientific background in Xray astronomy and experience in analysis of Xray data A good command of commonly used astronomical software, like IDL, and of the XMMNewton Science Analysis Software and the Xray specific software tools like XSPEC or FTOOLS Good knowledge of the XMMNewton instruments Desirable Experience in international working environments Background in other astronomy areas Additional information The position is based at ESAC and will require normal office hours of attendance. XMMNewton Scientists are integrated in the Science Support team, either in the Community Support and Mission Planning team also abbreviated as User Support Group, USG or in the Instrument Dedicated Team IDT, most often in both with different time share adjusted your experience. Report is to the Science Support Manager SSM through the USG team leader or through the specific instrument team leader. Applicants must hold a current valid work permit for Spain or be EU nationals. If you think you have the skills and experience required for this post please make your application via our eRecruitment site httpswww.amris.comsercorequirementdisplay.php?refSearchrequirementid47906 If you have any questions regarding this opportunity please address them to our recruitment team at space.careersserco.com Position Science Operations Support, XMMNewton Reference RTCSRE052 Application closing date 02nd January 2014 Start date February 2014 Duration To end 2016 Important Please be aware that security clearance may be part of the selection process Register with Serco eRecruitment for automatic email alerts for new opportunities httpswww.amris.comsercoalertssignupform.php For additional information about Serco Group please consult our website www.serco.com For additional information about Serco Europe please consult our website www.serco.comeurope
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