Missions

- Maintenance and updating of the VTAC module of the data processing chain of the VT instrument on board the SVOM (Space Variable Objects Monitor) space mission, a Sino-French mission to observe transient astrophysical phenomena launched on June 22, 2024.

- Role of "Burst Advocate" and "Instrument Expert" (VT) for SVOM observations of gamma-ray bursts. Exploitation of VT data and contribution to follow-up with large ground-based telescopes.

Activities

- Maintenance and updating of the algorithm, code, tests, documentation of the data processing chain module, following the actual performance of the VT over time
- Integration of the module into the VT pipeline within the FSC
- Updating the code according to the new catalogs available over time
- Participation in meetings of the software groups of the ground segment of the SVOM mission (by teleconference or with missions in France or China)
- Activity of "Burst Advocate" (BA) and "Instrument Expert" (IE) for SVOM observations of gamma-ray bursts, with also participation in the development of the corresponding IT tools
- Contribution to monitoring activities with large ground telescopes
- Participation in BA group meetings and ground monitoring of the SVOM mission (by teleconference or with missions in France or China)

Skills

Skills corresponding to an IR CNRS E1E45 BAP E position.

- engineering degree or doctorate in astrophysics or in a field related to scientific computing

- Programming in Python: very good level

- Unix-like environment: very good level

- knowledge of astrophysics

- knowledge of code version manager tools (git)

- notions of software engineering: specification, testing, integration

- notions of virtualization tools (Docker)

- notions of database use

- English: good level

- ability to work in a team

Work Context

The work is part of the activities of the ground segment of the SVOM mission and its scientific exploitation. 
The workplace is the GEPI laboratory (which will become the LUX laboratory from January 2025) at the Paris Observatory, Meudon site.
Details of working conditions are described in the Internal Regulations of the laboratory and the Paris Observatory.
The CDD will work under the responsibility of the Project leader at the laboratory (Susanna Vergani).
Brief trips to France (several times a year) and China (~1 time a year), to participate in meetings with colleagues from the SVOM project. Possibility of attending national or international conferences.

Additional Information

- 1 year contract, renewable;
- the hiring date can be postponed by one month, if necessary.