The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) is part of the Euclid mission, which is being realized under the Cosmic Visions program of the European Space Agency (ESA). The primary goal of the mission is to investigate the nature of dark energy and dark matter by measuring the accelerated expansion of the universe using various independent methods. The Euclid satellite is expected to be launched in July 2023 and will collect data for a total of seven years.
We are looking for a Data Scientist (m/f/d) for Euclid External Data Quality Control (Job posting reference number 12/2023).
The tasks of the MPE within the Euclid project include both instrument development and the operation of a data center where data from Euclid itself but also from several ongoing and future ground-based surveys (EXT), such as Pan-STARRS and DES, as well as data from the Subaru and CFHT telescopes, are processed. Additionally, the German Euclid Data Center contributes to the development of software for the co-addition of imaging data and combining ground-based data with satellite data, as well as extracting the photometry of the combined dataset. Euclid has highest requirements for the photometric precision of the ground-based data, as they are used for determining photometric redshifts, which in turn are crucial for the success of the mission. We offer a position at MPE for the analysis and monitoring of EXT data quality.
The position
- Ongoing monitoring of the quality of EXT data products, especially regarding photometric quality and other artifacts
- Definition and development of new methodologies and algorithms for monitoring data quality
- Coordination with the teams of ground-based surveys to address quality issues
- Reporting EXT data quality to the Euclid Ground Segment
- Preparing data for further scientific analysis
These tasks will be carried out in collaboration with a team of more than ten employees at MPE and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Your qualification
- University degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related field
- Extensive experience in scientific data analysis
- Excellent knowledge of scripting and programming languages (especially Python and C/C++)
- Strong familiarity and experience with Unix-like operating systems and batch queue systems, high-performance and/or grid computing
- Solid knowledge of source code management systems like Github
- Ideally, very good knowledge of astronomical data reduction
- Proficiency in photometric methods and familiarity with Astromatic Tools
- Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
- Ability to work in an experienced and highly motivated multinational team
- Willingness to participate in team meetings in the European region
Our offer
- A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and culturally stimulating international research environment.
- Interdisciplinary work in a family team with experienced engineers and physicists.
- Needs-oriented training opportunities.
- Fair payment according to your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
- Company pension scheme (VBL).
- Family service at the Garching research campus.
- Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute.
- Canteen in the immediate vicinity.
- Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.
- Free parking on the institute grounds.
With the imminent start of Euclid, the successful applicant has the opportunity to become part of one of the largest and most ambitious European astronomy missions ever, at an ideal time to witness the transition of the project into the phase of actual scientific research. The successful applicant will become part of the Euclid Consortium and accumulate publication rights in the project. Additionally, the consortium offers numerous networking opportunities.
We offer an attractive working environment with flexible working hours at MPE in Garching. The institute hosts several groups with a wide range of interests from plasma physics to cosmology. MPE is located near the Garching Campus of the Technical University of Munich, the Leibnitz Computing Center, as well as the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
The salary will be based on qualifications and experience. The contract has a duration of 3 years and includes a six-month probationary period.
Applications from disabled individuals are encouraged and will be given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal. MPE is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees in areas where women are underrepresented.
Your application
For informationen about the Euclid Project and the MPE, please refer to these homepages EUCLID ESA and MPI for Extraterrestrical Physics.
Please contact Dr. Maximilian Fabricius if there are further questions.
Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) online by 30 June 2023.