Overview
Join to apply for the Data Validation Scientist (Fixed Term) role at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 October 2027 in the first instance.
This is an interesting opportunity for a data scientist to work at the Institute of Astronomy (IoA), University of Cambridge, as part of the Gaia and PLATO system development teams within the IoA Data Projects (CamCEAD) group.
Gaia is a space observatory of the European Space Agency (ESA), launched in 2013, with data releases in Dec 2026 and a final data release in 2030. Gaia's key objective is a detailed study of the Milky Way. The IoA is responsible for the development and operation of the (spectro)-photometric processing system.
PLATO is an ESA mission launching end 2026 that will detect and characterise exoplanets around bright stars. Within the PLATO Consortium, the IoA team is responsible for the development and operation of the Exoplanet Analysis System, enabling detection of exoplanet signatures from high-precision photometric light curves of host stars.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
* work initially within the Gaia development team, with likely later involvement in PLATO development
* perform photometric light curve analysis and validation (Gaia and PLATO)
* support data analysis and development of novel scientific algorithms and applications in photometric and spectrophotometric processing (Gaia)
* liaise with wider mission consortium teams and external science users
* contribute to documentation
* collaborate in Gaia and PLATO stellar and exoplanet related research programs to optimise interpretation and use of mission data
* interact with the wider CamCEAD team and contribute machine learning expertise in data systems from ground-based spectroscopy to medical imaging contexts
Qualifications
* experience in astronomical data analysis activities
* use of machine learning approaches to data validation
* practical knowledge of scientific algorithm development
* PhD degree in a numerate discipline (preferably Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field)
* familiarity with acquisition and reduction of data from large-scale astronomical facilities or surveys
* experience with database and web-based systems
* knowledge of Python/Java and object-oriented programming; knowledge of database systems is advantageous
* ability to work as part of a team and good communication skills
* valid passport for meetings in the UK and overseas
Employment details
* Salary on the Research Associate scale (Grade 7, from £37,694 - £46,049). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of PhD award.
* Click the Apply button to register an account and apply online. Upload CV, cover letter, publications list and research/technical experience statement (three A4 pages maximum in 11pt font).
* The names and email contact details of three referees are required; referees will be contacted if shortlisted with a deadline of 15 October 2025.
* Closing date: Applications to be received on 21 September 2025 by 23:59 BST. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the week of 20 October 2025. Anticipated start date: 1 December 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Giorgia Busso, Senior Research Associate, giorgia@ast.cam.ac.uk. For queries regarding the application process, contact HR@ast.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference LG46896 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). Applicants should not include journal level metrics in their materials. More information at sfdora.org and the university policy page provided in the original posting.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Additional information
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Quality Assurance
* Industries: Research
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