Scientific Software Lead – Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) developer

Are you our new colleague?

Are you an ambitious Scientific Software Lead, who is able to inspire a group? Do you want to play a pivotal role in advancing our capabilities in processing and managing data from Earth observation satellites? Then you are the person we are looking for!

You and SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands

It is the mission of SRON to bring about breakthroughs in international space research. Therefore, the institute develops pioneering technology and advanced space instruments, and uses them to pursue Earth science, astrophysical and exoplanetary research.

Your position and team

Our Earth Science Group focuses on understanding Earth’s climate and air quality by studying the roles of greenhouse gases, pollutants and aerosols in the atmosphere. We develop new space instruments and algorithms to interpret data, contributing to the science of climate, air-quality and ecosystem impact. We work together with governments, NGO’s and the private sector for climate action in fulfillment of mitigation policies.

Your project

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead software scientist to spearhead the development of a generic Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) for scientific Earth Observation space missions. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our capabilities in processing and managing data from Earth observation satellites, thereby supporting current and future scientific missions such as SPEXone (in NASA context) and TANGO (in ESA context).The TANGO mission will routinely deliver CO2, CH4, and NO2 observations. Its PDGS system will ensure satellite data acquisition, processing, dissemination, and science data product archiving. In addition, the PDGS applies inflight calibration and monitors the mission data quality and the instrument’s long-term performance. The science data are routinely validated against ground truth. Setup and maintenance of a data portal and a monitoring and validation website are also PDGS tasks.

Your Key Responsibilities will be:

·       Lead the design, development, and implementation of a generic PDGS for Earth

       Observation missions and ensure tailoring for specific missions such as TANGO.

·       Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, and external

       partners  such as agencies and industry, to ensure the PDGS meets mission requirements.

·      Oversee the integration of data processing algorithms and the orchestration of the

       dataflow.

·       Ensure the system’s scalability and adaptability for various missions.

·       Ensure compliance with quality standards and best practices in data management

        and security.

·       Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of scientists.

·       Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements and provide regular updates on project

        progress.

·       Coordinate documentation and reporting responsibilities on development and

        functioning of PDGS  to external costumers and users.

Position requirements

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) developer with a masters or Ph.D degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. A strong understanding of data processing algorithms and software development as well as excellent project management- and leadership skills are certainly desired as is the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international team environment. Experience in developing ground segment systems for space missions, preferably in Earth Observation is considered an asset. A highly developed proficiency in written and oral English is essential and the candidate should be capable of working both independently and in a team.

What we offer

The Scientific Software Lead position we offer at SRON is a full-time position in which you will be employed by  NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes) for a period of 2 years with the possibility to enter into an employment contract for an indefinite period after this.

The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 12 with a maximum of  € 7.289,- gross per month on a full-time basis (depending on your level of education and experience). Compensation for commuting expenses will be provided.

NWO-I / SRON also offers:

·       A dynamic and inspiring working environment at the forefront of space research.

·       Collaboration with leading experts and institutions in the field.

·       An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;

·       A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;

·       42 days of vacation leave a year on a full-time basis;

·       An excellent pension scheme;

·       Options for (additional) personal development;

·       Excellent facilities for parental leave;

·       Ample training opportunities;

·       Possibility of flexible working hours;

Why SRON

At SRON you can work with colleagues from various disciplines and take a role in the whole process from idea to result. You will be working on groundbreaking instruments in a closely collaborating team of engineers and scientists. The technology, project and processes are challenging. We work in well-equipped and modern laboratories and offer good employment conditions and great opportunities for personal development.

About SRON

SRON is the Space Research Organisation Netherlands. Based at locations in Leiden and Groningen, SRON combines fundamental scientific research, technology innovation, and instrumentation development to enable breakthroughs in astrophysics, exoplanet research, and earth atmospheric research from space. In partnership with leading international partners and space agencies such as ESA, NASA and JAXA, SRON provides scientific and technological contributions to international space missions as well as expertise and support to the Dutch and international scientific communities.

SRON is the national base for the Netherlands participation in the ESA science program. On the national level, it works in close collaboration with the Dutch universities, other NWO institutes, and governmental agencies to pursue a cohesive agenda for space-based research.

For more information, please contact

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter through our online application portal ( https://werkenbijsron.nl/en/our-vacancies/ )  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

More information about SRON can be found at www.sron.nl. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. A. van Amerongen, Head of the Earth Observation Program at +31-(0)88 777 5600.

Furthermore

At SRON we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age, and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage qualified applicants of all ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, members of minorities, persons with disabilities, and potential dual-academic-career hires to apply.

Online screening may be part of the selection procedure.

Recruitment consultants, please put down the phone.  We’ll do the recruitment ourselves so unsolicited acquisition to this vacancy is not appreciated.