Gaia Naked-Eye Star Acquisition

Centre for Astrobiology CAB. Madrid. Spain
Application deadline: 1 October 2018 (tentative, see point 4)
Starting date: November 2018 (tentative, see point 4)

1. Objective

The main objective is to obtain high accuracy astrometry and absolute spectrophotometry for the brightest stars in the sky with the ESA Gaia mission, whose observation and data reduction are challenging.

Both nominal and forced observations in special modes (SIF, Virtual Object synchronisation) will be analysed.

2. Main tasks

+ Method feasibility assessment: regular observations, virtual objects and spurious observations.
+ Develop methods for saturated observations processing (astrometry and photometry)
+ Reconstruct Virtual Object images
+ Astrometric reduction exploration (multiple epoch combination)

3. Applicants

Main qualification: Degree in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics or Engineering.
PhD is a bonus, but not a requirement.

Ideal profile:
+ Astrophysics and image processing
+ Scientific programming, preferably Java, C++ or Python
+ Numerical methods and astronomical data reduction.

4. Practical information

+ Duration: 1 year
+ The application process will start when CAB publishes the offer. The time available to apply will be very short (1-2 weeks). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to send their CV to the contact persons beforehand.

5. Contact persons

Alcione Mora: amora@sciops.esa.int
Juanma Martin-Fleitas: jfleitas@sciops.esa.int