Job Advertisement: Closing Date 10th October 2008
Astronomical Software Developer
Ref. 08/1000604
Astrophysics Research Centre
School of Mathematics and Physics
A position is available for an astronomical software developer to
take a leading role in the development of analysis software for the
upcoming Pan-STARRS1 survey. Pan-STARRS1 (the Panoramic Survey
Telescope and Rapid Response System) is the largest camera ever built
for astronomy and the repeated sky surveys have the ability to find
unprecedented numbers of new transient objects. The candidate will
work within the explosive transient and supernova team at Queen's led
by Prof. S. Smartt and Dr. R. Kotak.
Queen's University is a partner in Pan-STARRS1 and the Astrophysics
Research Centre is developing automated analysis software that will
classify transient objects on the basis of their observed parameters
and an instant, global search of all available archives. The
developer will lead this software development project and work
closely with astronomers at Queen's and the other Pan-STARRS partners
working in transient object science (e.g. Universities of Hawaii,
Harvard, Johns Hopkins). The project will involve developing
software and algorithms to automatically classify objects and create
web listings, VOevent packages and a database of source information.
It is likely that use of Virtual Observatory tools and protocols will
be required along with the development of new concepts in the time
domain area. The developer will work closely with the already
established Image Processing Pipeline team and the Published Science
Products System group, both led from Hawaii.
The candidate should have a minimum of a BSc in physics, mathematics,
astronomy or computer science, although a PhD is desirable.
Programming experience in several of the following ares is
essential : perl, CGI perl, html, java, C++, python. Familiarity with
developing in UNIX-like operating systems such as Linux or OS X is
essential. Excellent written and verbal skills in English are
required. A working knowledge of database structure (mySQL,
postgreSQL or equivalent) is desirable.
This post is available immediately for 2 years in the first instance,
with extension possible depending on funding. Further information on
the Astrophysics Research Centre and the Pan-STARRS project may be
obtained at: http://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/ and http://www.ps1sc.org
To apply see
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/QUBJobVacancies/ResearchJobs/
Software Developer, Ref: 08/100604
Salary: =A328,290-=A336,912 per annum (including contribution points).
Closing date: 4.00 pm, Friday 10 October 2008
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