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VIRTIS Venus Express Data Handling Researcher
Statement of work for the position: VIRTIS Venus Express Data Handling
WORK PACKAGES
The first two working packages shall be faced in a routine basis to keep the archive and the pipeline working nominally. The rest of the activities shall be faced once the pipeline is working in routine basis without any anomaly. The key person is also encouraged to propose new research lines for any technical or scientific aspect, although this should not interfere with the nominal routine tasks.
Work Package #1. Generation and validation of raw scientific data.
- Generation of raw data in PDS format (every MTP, four weeks): Use EGSE SW to convert telemetry (obtained from ESA's Data Distribution Server) into PDS raw products (hyperspectral cubes).
- Generation of VIRTIS-M CK kernels (every MTP, four weeks): Run SPICE routines to generate kernel using the Housekeeping information from the instrument and the spacecraft
- Generation and maintenance of data catalogs (VIRTIS_log, etc)
Work Package #2. Maintenance and improvement of VIRTIS data pipeline
- Maintenance of VIRTIS-M Calibration pipeline: with the current setup the calibration is performed automatically every night. Check that the calibration pipeline is working fine and perform any eventual modifications to it when needed.
- Maintainance of the VIRTIS data distribution server(s): Keep data mirrors to ensure good data distribution among the different teams and ensure nominal communication with all the members of the VIRTIS team.
- IDL library maintenance: perform eventual modifications to the routines following needs and implementation of new procedures for data handling following needs
Work Package #3. Science Operations and instrument performance analysis
- Support science operations activities for planning of future observations: provide feedback to the science operations responsible using the validation of the obtained data from previous observations
- Instrument performance analysis: in case of any anomaly on the instrument or the spacecraft behaviour, request the applicable data and analyze possible causes, consequences and eventual actions to be taken.
Work package #4. High level product generation
- Generation of high level products: map projections, temperature maps, time series, etc using all the available scientific data from the instrument
- Definition and implementation of a format to be used for high level products
Work package #5. Scientific support
- Support the VIRTIS IASF Science team for any technical issue concerning data processing, instrumental effects, data distribution, calibration, etc
This position requires high level interaction with industry and research agencies or institutes: ESA, LESIA, VIRTIS team members, etc.
LOCATION AND DURATION
The key person will report to the VIRTIS Principal Investigator and will work during normal office hours, based at IASF-INAF, Area di Ricerca di Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
The duration of the contract is to be defined. It should be initially one year, although it could be likely extended for the mission duration.
REQUIREMENTS
Physics, Engineering or technical degree
NEEDED:
- IDL language programming
- Experience with data handling, storage and distribution techniques
- Experience working with remote sensing data
- Knowledge of image processing techniques
- Fluency in English language
- Ability to work as interface person with interdisciplinary teams
- Experience with Windows and UNIX/Linux systems
- Experience with generic SW tools: (S)FTP, SSH, WinSCP, rsync, wget, SVN, CVS, shell scripting, etc
ASSET:
- Experience working with hyperspectral (multiband) images and/or spectroscopy
- Experience working with data from planetary or astronomy missions
- Knowledge of space geometry concepts and use of other ancillary information
- Experience with planning software tools: MAPPS, EPS, SPICE, etc
- Knowledge of the PDS (Planetary Data System) Standard
- Knowledge of radiance sensors: Infrared, CCD, etc
CONTACT
For information about this position please send updated CV to:
Rome
Italy
00133
