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XMM Newton Operations Astronomer
2019-06-13 18:32:30| Space-careers.com Jobs RSS
Summary A great opportunity for an astronomer, experienced in space observatories and space borne instrument calibration, to work for Telespazio VEGA onsite at ESAC for a fixed term contract role. Objective The scientist will 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. Responsibilities Duties The successful candidate may be involved in any of the following tasks Supporting the Observing Time Allocation Committee OTAC, performing technical reviewing of incoming observation proposals. Optimising the observations of accepted proposals, assisting astronomers in the setup of instruments to carry out desired observations, and ensure the safety of the instruments. Maintaining user support documentation, and helpdesk service. Longterm mission planning, ensuring that all high priority observations are performed. Maintenance and regularly updating a long term observing plan including arranging coordinated observations with other observatories Overseeing the scheduling process, and the scheduling of Targets of Opportunity, supporting, or replacing, 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 rota basis. Calibrating and monitoring scientific instruments. Participating in activities related to the systematic processing of all scientific mission data, in order to produce highlevel products for direct use by the scientific community. Providing user requirements for the Science Archive, checking their implementation, monitoring and improving performance and use by the community and interacting with the Scientific Archives Team at ESAC. Performing scientific research using available scientific tools where time allows, and as determined by ESA line management. Qualifications Experience Ph.D. or equivalent in astrophysics, physics or mathematics or related field, in the later cases with an astrophysical orientation. Essential Skills A background in Astronomical research, preferably in Xray astronomy Good command of commonly used astronomical software, including IDL. Experience with Xray specific software tools XMM SAS, XSPEC or FTOOLS. Knowledge of the XMMNewton instruments Comfortable using computers and modern operating systems, possibly having developed small software programs to support routine tasks. Qualities Experience, and comfort, working in an international environment. Strong communication, relationship building, management and team working skills Good planning and organisational skills. Fluent in English Further Details All roles within Telespazio VEGA have a defined closing date, however if a successful candidate is found before the advert expires the role will be closed early. We would therefore advise any candidate to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Closing Date for applications is 12th July 2019. Location of the position is ESAC, Spain Benefits Competitive Package Security In line with Asylum Immigration Legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the EU. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. Furthermore, in view of the nature of the
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