IT and Data Processing Pipeline Support for the Euclid Space Mission (m/f/d)
Job ID: 06/2024

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. MPE is part of the Euclid mission, which is being realized under the Cosmic Visions program of the European Space Agency (ESA). The primary goal of the mission is to investigate the nature of dark energy and dark matter by measuring the accelerated expansion of the universe using various independent methods. The Euclid was launched in July 2023 and will collect data for a total of seven years.

The tasks of the MPE within the Euclid project include both instrument development and the operation of a data center where data from Euclid itself but also from several ongoing and future ground-based surveys (EXT), such as Pan-STARRS and DES, as well as data from the Subaru and CFHT telescopes, are processed. Importantly, the German Euclid Data Center contributes to the development of software for the co-addition of imaging data and combining ground-based data with satellite data, as well as extracting the photometry of the combined dataset.

We offer a position in support to working on the dedicated SDC-DE infrastructure, the integration and the optimization of the Euclid pipelines into this infrastructure. These tasks will be carried out in collaboration with a team of more than ten employees at MPE and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Your Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in computer science, astronomy, physics, or a related field
• Excellent knowledge of scripting and programming languages (especially Python and C/C++)
• Experience with Linux software administration, in particular in the context of computing clusters
• Experience with setup and optimization of networks and GPFS filesystems would be a strong asset
• Experience with information security would likewise be a strong asset
• Prior experience with log centralization and administering software in the ELK stack would be an asset
• Working knowledge with SGE and/or Slurm would be very good
• Experience with monitoring and performance testing software such as Nagios, Icinga/Zabbix, iPerf/perfSonar would be nice to have  
• Knowledge in CernVM-FS, GlusterFS, MySQL, PostgreSQL are beneficial
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Ability to work in an experienced and highly motivated multinational team
• Willingness to participate in team meetings in the European region

With the start of operations of Euclid, the successful applicant has the opportunity to become part of one of the largest and most ambitious European astronomy missions ever, at an ideal time to witness the transition of the project into the phase of actual scientific research. The successful applicant will become part of the Euclid Consortium and accumulate publication rights in the project. Additionally, the consortium offers numerous networking opportunities.

We offer an attractive working environment with flexible working hours at MPE in Garching. The institute hosts several groups with a wide range of interests from plasma physics to cosmology. MPE is located near the Garching Campus of the Technical University of Munich, the Leibnitz Computing Center, as well as the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The salary will be based on qualifications and experience.

The contract has a duration of 3 years and includes a six-month probationary period. Salary and social benefits are based on the German TVöD scale, depending on experience.

Applications from disabled individuals are encouraged and will be given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal. MPE is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees in areas where women are underrepresented.

For further questions, please contact Dr. Maximilian Fabricius (mxhf@mpe.mpg.de) and Jonas Haase (jhaase@mpe.mpg.de).

Applications must include

• cover letter including a statement of software experience and interest
• curriculum vitae
• list of references to provide letters of recommendation (we will request those upon shortlisting)
• list of publications

Please submit your application by 30th April 2024 through the MPE's online application system. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.