Missions

One of the objectives of the ERC COBREX project is the direct imaging detection and characterization of exoplanets. To achieve this, we will analyze high-contrast imaging data from archives as well as from new observations, using new algorithms designed to push the current limits of detection.
The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing the environment necessary for the analysis and management of the data produced by the COBREX project, as part of an extension of the SPHERE data center infrastructure. They will work directly with the current engineer and technical manager of the data center, and in collaboration with the astronomers responsible for the scientific data.

Activités

- Extension de l'infrastructure SPHERE pour les besoins de COBREX
- Dialoguer avec les astronomes en charge de la réduction des données
- Développer le modèle de données spécifique
- Définir et implémenter l'infrastructure logicielle nécessaire au projet
- Spécifier et développer les nouvelles fonctionnalités d'interface utilisateur
- Développer les outils de récupération des données d'archive
- Implémenter l'exécution des codes de réduction et d'analyse des données sur les moyens de calcul distribués
- Convertir des codes scientifiques en recette de réduction de données
- Créer les outils de gestion du cycle de vie des données produites
- Participer au développement/transport de code des outils d'analyse
- Déployer et gérer les différents environnements systèmes
- Communiquer avec les équipes techniques en charge de l'hébergement des serveurs de calcul et des données

Compétences

Required Expertise:
- Proficiency in Java and object-oriented programming
- Strong knowledge of Python, particularly system-level capabilities
- SQL programming and solid command of a relational database management system (RDBMS)
- Experience in distributed network application development
- Familiarity with data formats: XML and JSON

Operational Know-How:
- Code versioning with Git
- Application deployment using Maven
- Deployment and configuration of applications on Linux systems
- Knowledge of Agile development methodologies
- Proficiency in scientific and technical English

Preferred Skills:
- Development of Java Swing desktop applications
- Hosting of web services with Tomcat
- Understanding of network communications and protocols
- Multithreaded programming
- Execution of Linux subprocesses in Java and Python
- Automated deployment with Ansible
- Familiarity with project management methodologies
- Knowledge of IDL and Matlab tools and code
- Understanding of issues and optimization strategies for large-scale RDBMS

Values and Personal Qualities:
- Interest in astronomy – prior knowledge in the field would be a plus
- Rigor, autonomy, adaptability, proactivity, open-mindedness, teamwork, commitment, creativity
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including progress tracking and reporting

Contexte de travail

The Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics of Grenoble (IPAG) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR) comprising 150 staff members, under the supervision of CNRS and Université Grenoble Alpes. The Observatory of the Sciences of the Universe of Grenoble (OSUG) is a Joint Service Unit (UMS) of 30 staff members, also under the supervision of CNRS and Université Grenoble Alpes. OSUG provides the technical infrastructure necessary to support the mission, particularly through hosting IT services.

The current SPHERE data center consists of three virtual machines and a dedicated storage array hosted within a regional computing center (mésocentre).

The engineer, assigned to IPAG, will work in close collaboration with the technical staff of OSUG. The engineer, who also serves as the technical lead for SPHERE, will oversee the specification and development tasks within the COBREX project, and will provide support for the use of existing software codes.

The work will be carried out in collaboration with a team of astronomers and students based at LESIA (Observatoire de Paris), IPAG, and CRAL (Lyon), in addition to the technical team.

Contraintes et risques

The extension of the infrastructure is partly based on existing code and proven solutions within the field. Hosting on shared services imposes specific software and structural constraints that must be taken into account. Development will be integrated into the agile methodologies and tools already in use.

The project is part of a European initiative, which involves activity tracking and participation in extended team meetings. Occasional trips may be required to attend these meetings.