Scientific Data Analyst for GAIA at the European Space Agency

Gaia is a major astronomical space telescope, currently being built within the ESA science programme. A large and active scientific community is preparing for the start of the mission and in particular for the data processing and analysis. These preparatory activities are organized within the framework of the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) comprising about 400 members throughout Europe.

The ESA Project Scientist is responsible for all scientific aspects of the mission. Assisted by a small team of scientists, he acts as an interface between the scientific community (DPAC) and the ESA Project team responsible for managing the fabrication, test, launch and commissioning of the spacecraft.

As part of the ongoing spacecraft development, a large quantity of test data has been acquired (and continues to be acquired). Much of this data is dedicated to understanding the effect that radiation damage in the Gaia detectors will have upon the performance of Gaia during the mission. Results of these tests are used to define the optimum operating strategy to minimize the effects of radiation damage, and also to determine and implement a strategy for radiation damage calibration in the data processing. The purpose of this work package is to provide manpower within the Project Scientist’s team dedicated to radiation test data analysis and interpretation.

Main Responsabilities

The candidate will be a member of the Project Scientist's Support
Team based at ESA’s ESTEC establishment in the Netherlands. The role of the team is to support and advise the Gaia project team (at ESTEC), the Gaia Science Operation Centre team (at ESAC) and the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) on all scientific aspects of the mission.

Within this team the candidate will be required to:

• Conduct detailed and thorough analysis of data produced by Industry during a series of radiation test campaigns. In conducting this activity, the candidate shall be guided by scientists in Cambridge, Lund, Leiden, the Project Scientist’s team, ESAC and elsewhere who have many years experience in analyzing astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic data.
• Contribute to the definition and implementation of a radiation calibration strategy within the Gaia data processing pipeline. Several strategies have been Job Opportunity SOA-012
• proposed. Implementation depends upon results and parameters coming from test data analysis.
• In addition to working closely with the scientific (DPAC) community, the candidate may be required to communicate results and interpretation to the Gaia Project team, the Gaia Science Operations team and industry. This will be particularly relevant where results have programmatic and operational implications.

Specific Qualification Requirements

Competence: Astronomy/Space Science
Education level: Scientist
Experience: Normal
Specific qualification requirements: PhD or comparable experience in Astronomy or related scientific field.
Specific knowledge is required in the following areas:

• Proven experience in astronomical or equivalent large-scale data analysis
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluency in English is a requirement
• Knowledge of Java is an asset
• Must be willing to travel and to spend extended periods working in several European institutes

Support Period: from start date to 31/03/2011
Remuneration: Depending on candidate qualifications
Location of work: On-site ESTEC