Data Scientist Position for eROSITA and HETDEX (m-w-d) 08/2023

Data Scientist Position

for eROSITA and HETDEX (m-w-d)

08/2023

The Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in several large astronomical projects.

Applications are invited for a position in support of a computing platform (Sciserver@MPE) for two astronomical surveys at the MPE. We are searching for a data scientist with experience in software development, system administration and handling of large astronomic datasets.

The candidate is expected to work with us on maintaining and extending the science data platform to exploit eROSITA and HETDEX surveys. eROSITA is the primary instrument on board the Russian "Spectrum-Röntgen-Gamma" (SRG) satellite launched in 2019. It collects X-ray data of up to a hundred thousand galaxy clusters and stars and millions of active galactic nuclei. HETDEX is a unique spectroscopic survey that will map the evolution of Dark Energy using Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies in the high redshift universe. HETDEX started its observations in January 2018.

The ideal candidate will be a scientific programmer with a strong interest in working with large astronomical datasets and is expected to maintain and update the science platform, including ingesting new data, user support, and developing new data routines and services supporting science collaborations. Furthermore, the candidate will be helming efforts integrating the science platform closer to the services and facilities of the Max-Planck Computing and Data Facility (MPCDF, the data center in Campus). The candidate should have:

• Experience with Science Platform functionality, Jupyter notebooks/lab, proficient with Python & R.
• Experience with Virtual Machines, Docker & Kubernetes.
• Experience with Linux system administration. Ideally, some experience with Windows servers as well.
• Good knowledge of with SQL databases, database design, and database server administration.
• Knowledge of software design and programming principles development documentation and testing. Ideally, some experience creating and deploying web services.
• Understanding of the modern tools and technologies for computational analysis in Astronomy.

Up to 20% of the time may be spent on research on a topic related to the unique data products of eROSITA and HETDEX. Beyond those, the candidate will have access to the other facilities available to the institute (e.g. ESO telescopes).

The position is currently open for two years guaranteed with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funding. Salary and social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale, depending on experience.

Applicants should submit their documents (in PDF format) online ( https://recruitingapp-5257.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/539/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng)  by 30.04.2023, including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a statement software experience and interest. Please also supply three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. Mara Salvato ([email protected]) and Dr. Maximilian Fabricius ([email protected]). To the same addresses you can also send informal enquiries about the position. For further details about MPE see http://www.mpe.mpg.de .

Later applications may also be considered in case the post is not filled until 30.04.2023.

The Max Planck Society and the MPE strive for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.