Job Introduction
Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development.
ESO (European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere) is a leading institution for astronomy research, operating some of the world’s most advanced observatories. With locations in Chile and Germany, ESO provides scientists worldwide with access to cutting-edge instruments and data, enabling them to explore the universe and answer fundamental questions about its origins, evolution, and structure. ESO's missions focus on ensuring the continued operation and enhancement of its astronomical archives, maintaining high-quality data accessibility, and supporting the global scientific community in their research efforts.
On behalf of our customer ESO, we are looking for Astronomical Data Products Validation Specialists to join our team in Garching, Munich. Your mission is to ensure the integrity and compliance of science data products with ESO standards, supporting the preparation, verification, and publication of these data via ESO’s archives for global access by the scientific community.
Main Responsibilities
- Support user inquiries regarding science data product standards and the publication workflow through Phase 3
- Validate and verify compliance of science data products with ESO’s data product standards
- Ingest and publish data products into the ESO Archive via dedicated Archive user interfaces
- Provide line support to external users for preparing science data products and organizing/packaging data releases
- Maintain and update validation rules and scripts for the file-by-file verification of science products and their provenance
- Support the testing and deployment of tools for verifying and publishing science data products
- Monitor and troubleshoot the process of archiving and publishing data products once submitted by users, ensuring data previews, metadata extraction, and replication to the database server
- Advertise data releases through Phase 3, archive web interfaces, and ESO’s science newsletter
- Support the maintenance and update of the Science Data Product Standard (SDPS).
- Provide user support to internal and external Phase 3 users via ticketing systems, email communication, and videoconferences
- Contribute to the specification, testing, maintenance, and installation of new Phase 3 tools and services
Successful Candidate
Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:
- At least three years of experience in handling astronomical data in FITS format
- Minimum of three years working with astronomical data processing software and scripting (e.g., IDL, IRAF, astropy)
- At least three years of experience working with databases using SQL
- Strong background in astronomy at a scientific level
- Experience with data standard specification is an asset
- Familiarity with Virtual Observatory standards and tools is an advantage
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and cooperative skills to interact with both internal colleagues and external users
- Fluent in English
Nice to have:
- Experience in scientific data validation and compliance reporting.
- Knowledge of ESO’s data products and the scientific community’s data needs.
- Proficiency in additional scripting languages and software tools for astronomy.
All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.
On Offer:
- Relocation allowance upon providing receipts
- Hybrid working model
- 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket
- Gym membership discount
- Participation in pension and health scheme
- 30 days of holiday
Relocation:
Garching/Munich, Germany, offers a central location in Europe, making it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Munich Airport being one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in Europe, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco Services GmbH offers relocation support for all candidates eligible to work in the EU that are planning to relocate to Germany and work for ESO.
About the Company
Serco GmbH has established itself as a strong service provider in the German market, delivering high-quality engineering, technical, and management services across a variety of sectors. From its strategic position in Darmstadt, Serco supports critical operations for space, satellite, and technology projects, providing expertise in ground systems management, data processing, and mission logistics. Serco’s comprehensive service portfolio, backed by decades of experience, ensures operational excellence and efficiency, making it a trusted partner for both commercial and governmental clients in Germany. This strong foundation allows Serco GmbH to drive innovation and deliver value across the industry.
Why should you join Serco ?
At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.
Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.
A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression
Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We are diverse and inclusive organisation
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.
We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team
Important
Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.
Please contact the recruitment team if needed
Data Protection:
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