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Scientific Support to XMMNewton Operations
2013-12-04 10:35:51| Space-careers.com Jobs RSS
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 within the Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate DSRE. Aurora currently has a team of 18 engineers and scientists at ESAC. Overview The scientists working in the XMMNewton Users Support Group USG support the scientific users of the mission from proposal submission until the analysis of their data for scientific interpretation. The service is required to support any of the following 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 OpportunityTOO 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 behaviour 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. SAS maintenance or integration activities, not exclusively linked to the Pipeline Processing System. Performing scientific research using available scientific tools when time allows. The operational duties as defined above always take priority. Specific qualification requirements Ph.D. or equivalent in astrophysics, physics or mathematics or related field, in the later cases with an astrophysical orientation. A strong scientific background in Xray astronomical research with a good record of science publications in the astronomical refereed literature and with part of those signed by the candidate as first author. Experience in analysis of Xray data are required. Background in other astronomy areas will be an asset. Suitable candidates should have 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 in particular. Good knowledge of the XMMNewton instruments is expected. Several years working in research institutes or universities at postdoctoral level as well as experience in satellite operations, support to astronomers using space observatories and space borne instruments calibration. Experience interacting with instrument and calibration scientists and the scientific community around the world. Ability to operate in a team environment and occasionally travel. Good interpersonal and communication skills in English are essential. Legal and Security Requirements All applicants must be legally allowed to work in Spain without the need to obtain a work visa. Non EU citizens cannot be employed by Aurora in Spain. Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA. Prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident. Location The work will be performed at the ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre, at Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain. Contract The contract is until legal retirement age. You will be registered for both social security and tax in Spain. The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 29 annual days holiday. The candidate shall be required to work oncall during evenings and weekends as part of a rota system for scheduling TOOs. Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included. Aurora can assist financially and provide recent experience information for relocation. To be considered for this Position Provide prior to 18 December 2013 a summary of why you are a good candidate for the position together with a complete and detailed Recruitment Form to the Managing Director, Mr. Alex Jeanes, at email alexjeanesaurora.nl quoting reference SRE52. Aurora can provide a maximum of 3 candidates to ESA for this position. Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting their recruitment form to ESA. 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.
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