The AstroStat Slog

First posting regarding astrostatistics related job opportunities. Tom Loredo kindly informed us. Hopefully there are more to come.

Scientific Programmer for the Kepler Mission

[ From Research Inst. for Advanced Computer Science ]

RIACS is seeking scientists/engineers to help develop the Science Operations Center for the Kepler Mission at NASA Ames Research Center. Kepler is slated for launch in 2009 to search for Earth-sized planets transiting solar-like stars. The individual will work with other scientists and engineers to implement algorithms to be used in processing the science data and for monitoring the performance of the instrument. For more information about the mission, go to http://www.kepler.arc.nasa.gov.

The successful candidate must possess a strong background in numerical analysis and modeling, reducing/analyzing astronomical data sets, preferably with experience in differential photometry, CCD imaging, and time series analysis. Experience developing algorithms in MATLAB and some experience with Object Oriented design methodologies is required. A background including stochastic signal processing and/or experience with Java is a plus.

Education: A MS plus 5 years experience, in Astronomy, Physics,Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field is required. A Ph.D. is a plus.

Tasks include implementing, refining, testing, and documenting the algorithms for science analysis and non-science support analysis. Kepler science analysis tasks include aperture photometry and difference image analysis photometry, systematic noise removal from flux time series, and planet candidate validation. Supporting analysis tasks include target selection, photometer characterization, and modeling the instrument to understand performance bounds as well as to
generate test data for system integration and testing.

Tom also mentioned that there is a nearly-identical job posting online at the SETI institute: http://www.seti.org/about-us/jobs/sci-programmer-for-kepler.php