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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, which will become 'the world's biggest eye on the sky' and whose operations will be fully integrated into Paranal Observatory.
For its Paranal Science Operations Department (PSO), in Chile, ESO is opening a Local Staff Member Position of:
Data and Quality Control Specialist
Santiago
Deadline 17/05/2023
The successful candidate will engage in the development and maintenance of data processing, monitoring and analysis workflows, and identify and investigate data quality issues. They will work in close collaboration with the PSO staff that perform and support the observations, and regularly interact with instrument scientists and data scientists.
The Paranal Science Operations Department (PSO) consists of 60 persons of more than a dozen different nationalities. PSO's mission is the production of high-quality astronomical data and to maintain or improve the scientific performance of Paranal's instruments. QC data specialists ensure the quality of the data by a) monitoring & maintaining the data processing machinery of ESO's end-to-end data flow system; b) investigating and analysing the data obtained using both standard and novel approaches, in the context of PSO's mission.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor and maintain the data processing workflow
- Configure and ensure correct functioning of software tools that monitor the data quality and calibration plan completeness
- Identify and investigate data quality issues (e.g. scientific performance, instrument health)
- Develop analysis, monitoring and general operational tools according to expertise and operational needs.
- Possibility to contribute to the development and implementation of the Paranal Observatory Data Science strategy
- Interact at peer level with ESO's Instrument and Data Scientists on data related issues
The above duties are expected to be pursued at the Vitacura offices of ESO. A certain fraction of the work may be performed remotely, according to ESO's mobile working policy. In addition, the successful candidate will
- Support the day-to-day operations on site in the role of Operation Specialist, at a level compatible with the above listed duties. For reference, current QC and data specialist spend up to 25% of their working time as operation specialist on site, corresponding to about 40 nights per year.
Reports to:
Department Head as line manager, and QC coordinator as functional manager.
Experience:
At least three years of professional experience in data processing and analysis, preferentially of astronomical data and ideally including complex data flows. Knowledge of different types of astronomical data and related instrumentation is an asset. Documented professional training in data science is an asset.
Key Competences:
We look for highly motivated persons, with good interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams. Demonstrated experience with scientific work, and a keen interest in quality assurance and control is a strong asset.
Required:
- Working knowledge of standard astronomical data reduction tools
- Expert knowledge in selected astronomical data analysis and processing tools.
- Investigating and troubleshooting affinities
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Proficiency in python
- Operative knowledge of Linux/Unix
Desirable
- Ability to apply data science principles to review and improve our quality control workflows.
- Experience developing statistical models and machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes and recommend actions.
- Working knowledge of computer architectures and general IT.
Qualifications:
We seek a professional with a superior university degree (minimum Master, desirable PhD) in astronomy, data science, software engineering or a related field. An astronomy background is highly desirable.
Language Skills:
The position requires a proficient knowledge of English.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and comprehensive medical and educational benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.
The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of indefinite extension, subject to evaluation. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station:
- ESO offices in Vitacura, Santiago. A certain fraction of the work may be performed remotely, according to ESO's mobile working policy.
- Paranal Observatory, near Antofagasta (130 km. South), Chile. Paranal working schedule is a 7-night shift on-site, followed by 7 nights off duty. Accommodation is provided on site.
The fraction of duty time at Paranal Observatory is foreseen to be <50%. It will depend on the candidate's expertise, and the setup of their functional duties within the QC team.
Career Path: IV
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (http://www.eso.org) for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.
Closing date for applications is May 17, 2023.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
ESO Values
An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.
The ESO values are:
ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.
ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.
Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
Diversity
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.
Nationality
No nationality is excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have a pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, at the time of the application. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.