EO Data Scientist
- 📁
- Science
- 📅
- Jun 20, 2024 Post Date
- 📅
- 240000JL Requisition #
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: UKRI Band D (S2) £39,375 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
The Earth Observation (EO) and Atmospheric Sciences Division within RAL Space are seeking to recruit a Physicist or Scientific Data Analyst to work in the development of processing algorithms and analysis of data generated by optical instruments used for Earth Observation.
The post holder will work within the Optical Sensors Calibration and Validation Group which has interests in both satellite and field instruments used to measure geophysical properties for climate change monitoring, atmospheric composition, and agricultural applications. The activities include defining algorithms to process raw data to geophysical products, supporting the calibration and validation of satellite and field instruments and quantifying the uncertainties in the measured geophysical parameters.
The group is looking for self-motivated applied physicist to work on varied projects and tasks related to the processing and analysis of instrument data used for earth observation.
List of Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities
• Define and document processing algorithms with their scientific basis, as well defining the necessary input and output data. Examples of algorithms include calibration of raw satellite data to geophysical products.
• Write and document prototype code to test algorithms.
• Test processing algorithms on sample data sets.
• Analysis Perform analyses of satellite and field instrument data for Earth Observation applications. E.g., Radiometric calibration and uncertainty analysis of instrument data.
• Support instrument test and calibration campaigns through; analysis of measurement data and presentation of test results.
• Design and testing of processing algorithms of instrument data.
• Write documentation that clearly define algorithms and their scientific basis, as well defining input and output products.
Contacts and Communication
The post-holder will be responsible to their Section Leader and to the Optical Sensors Calibration and Validation Group Leader. They will also interact closely with other colleagues in the Group to define and progress their work. They will be expected to give presentations at project meetings and in other fora and to represent the Group at national and international meetings and conferences.
Personal Skills and Attributes
• Strong motivation to work in Earth Observation applied to climate Science
• Ability to work co-operatively and harmoniously in a small research group and to communicate clearly with colleagues (including managers, university academics, students as well as immediate colleagues)
• Ability to show initiative and flexibility in solving problems and time-management skills to multiplex between projects and meet their deadlines
• Drive and determination to achieve longer-term science objectives as well as short-term goals
Essential criteria
The following criteria will be assessed at either shortlisting (S), interview (I), or both (S&I):
• 1st or Upper 2nd Class Hons degree in a physical science or applied mathematics (or equivalent experience) (S)
• Experience with instrument data processing algorithms and validation (S&I)
• Understanding of uncertainty analysis (S&I)
• Acquaintance with operational applications for satellite data (e.g. Land-Use, Surface Temperatures) (I)
• Understanding of optical systems and related fields (e.g. spectroscopy, radiative transfer, calibration) (I)
• Experience of programming in one or more of: Python, IDL, Matlab (S&I)
• Effective written and oral communication skills (S&I)
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.