Research Associate in Data Processing: The University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Associate to join the Cavendish Astrophysics Group in the Department of Physics. The successful candidate will contribute to data processing pipelines for the SKA (Square Kilometre Array) radio telescopes, which aim to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe through unprecedented sensitivity and survey speed.
Research Associate in Data Processing Pipelines for the SKA Radio Telescopes (Fixed Term)
Designation:
Research Associate
Research Area:
Astrophysics, Data Processing, Software Development, Radio Astronomy
Location:
Cavendish Laboratory, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0US
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD in astrophysics, radio astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related field (or nearing completion).
- Strong background in scientific programming (Python, C/C++).
- Experience with software development for data-intensive systems.
- Familiarity with radio astronomy, aperture synthesis, or high-performance computing is advantageous.
Job Description:
The Research Associate will work on the development and implementation of data processing pipelines that transform raw telescope data into science-ready products. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and testing software for data ingestion, calibration, imaging, and quality control.
- Supporting the integration of these pipelines within the SKA software ecosystem.
- Collaborating with international partners and industry as part of the SAFe Agile Release Train (ART) framework.
- Up to 20% of the time may be dedicated to independent research, preferably related to SKA Key Science Projects such as 21-cm cosmology.
- Participating in software delivery milestones and regular agile development cycles in a collaborative team environment.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Please ensure to upload a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the upload section. Additional documents not requested will not be considered. For inquiries, contact Prof. Eloy de Lera Acedo at ed330@cam.ac.uk or hr@phy.cam.ac.uk regarding the application process.
Last Date to Apply:
Midnight, 4 December 2025
This job presents an exciting opportunity to engage in advanced research at the forefront of radio astronomy and data processing.
