Research Associate / Fellow

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to data analysis development for the LISA gravitational wave observatory ground segment, working with Prof. Graham Woan within the LISA L01 and SIM Coordination Units. This job requires expert knowledge of Time Delay Interferometry and associated fields. The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the methods and code used to mitigate noise sources present in Level 0.5 LISA gravitational wave data, the production of Level 1 data suitable for source parameter estimation, and the simulation of the LISA instrument. The successful candidate will also be involved in the submission of research publications and reports, as well as make a significant contribution to the management and direction of this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. For appointment at grade 8, significant current experience and deep knowledge of the field would be necessary, Main Duties and Responsibilities Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator:1. Take a role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.2. Take on responsibilities for working with ESA and other parties to further the overall LISA Project.3. Take a leading role in the management and development of the project and to work independently and in collaboration to bring the project to a successful completion, including establishing and maintaining external collaborations both nationally and internationally.4. Collaborate with team members to develop and implement software for LISA noise mitigation in the LISA L01 and SIM Coordination Units.5. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.6. Survey the research literature, understand the research challenges associated with the project and develop/implement suitable research strategies.7. Present work at international and national conferences, and at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.8. Take a role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure additional funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.9. Take a role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (eg. Academic and Industrial Partners).10. Take a role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.11. Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.12. Keep up-to-date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.14. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.15. To present research findings at high profile national and international conferences, seminars and meetings to raise the profile of the research group in order to enhance the research strength of the school.16. To make a leading contribution to the management of the team/project and sustain an enhanced level of academic outputs and profile. These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 A PhD in a subject area closely related to LISA data analysis.A3 An up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in LISA data analysis.A4 Proficiency in Python programming. For appointment at Grade 8: A4 A deep knowledge of Time Delay interferometry and LISA Noise mitigation methods. Desirable: B1 Direct knowledge of LISA L01and SIM pipeline development. Skills Essential: C1 Proven skills in LISA data analysis methods.C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely. C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.C4 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working. C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.C8 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.C9 Willingness to travel to international meetings, as appropriate. For appointment at Grade 8: C10 Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate to disseminate findings to colleagues.C11 Strong cross-discipline collaborative ability, including evidence of working across industry and academia. Experience Essential: E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.E2 Demonstrable experience in LISA data analysis methods.E3 Experience of programming in a scientific or industrial setting.E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences. For Appointment at Grade 8 E6 Significant experience of working with LISA L01 data. Closing date: 19 September 2024 Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 7/8, £39,347 - £44,263 / £48,350 - £56,021 per annum. This post is full time, and has initial funding to March 31 2025, with the possibility of being extended. As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 3 A flexible approach to working.