In support of ESA’s Science, Robotics and Exploration Directorate at ESAC we are looking for : XMM-Newton Community Support Scientist

The scientists working in the XMM-Newton Users Support Group (USG) are supporting the scientific users of the mission from proposal submission through to the analysis of their data for scientific interpretation.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• 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 set-up 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 XMM- Newton web pages. A helpdesk service operates to assist individual users with queries.
• Long-term 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 on-call 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 to gain competence to help users interpret and understand their data.
• To provide user requirements for the XMM-Newton Science Archive, to check their implementation, to monitor and improve the archive performance and its use by the community and to interact with the Scientific Archives Team at ESAC, with the aim of maximizing the value of Science Archive which is the tool by which astronomers gain access to the data and will be the main legacy of XMM-Newton. This is performed by the provision of an Archive Scientist, as one of the members of the USG, who shares this responsibility with other team members.
• To perform 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
  XMM-Newton team for assigning time for research will be applied, as
  determined for all personnel, by ESA line management.

Skills and Experience:

• PhD or equivalent in astrophysics, physics, mathematics or related field, in
• the latter cases with an astrophysical orientation;
• Experience in analysis of X-ray data or in analysis of high-energy spectra is
• an asset;
• The candidate should also be comfortable using computers and modern
• operating systems, and Unix, and have a background in developing small
• software programs to support the routine tasks of the group;
• Experience in satellite operations is an asset;
• A good knowledge of XMM-Newton instruments and Science Analysis
• Software;
• A scientific background in X-ray astronomy is highly desirable, but a
• scientific background in other areas of astronomy areas could be sufficient;
• Good communication skills and willingness to operate in international team;
• Fluent in English; knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an
• asset.

Starting date: February 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter

An exciting international working environment in a highly innovative and motivated team awaits you!

HE Space Operations is an international human resources company specialised in the space market. We have been providing consultancy services in space engineering and business administration for over 25 years. We generally work directly on-site with our principal customers such as the European Space Agency and EADS Astrium.