This position has a term length of three years.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Position Summary
The Astronomical Software Developers will join the research team building the Canadian Data-Intensive Astrophysics Platform (CanDIAPL), an international, university-led team based in Canada. They will be responsible for co-developing software infrastructure hosted on CanDIAPL servers operated with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (Alliance) and the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA).
Primary tasks will include: creating a portal that enables remote users to view multi-messenger astrophysical data; and developing the software pipelines supporting automated transfer of scientific data from the MeerKAT telescope to Alliance computational facilities.
This work will include creating and maintaining specific software repositories that: retrieve and create images and other data from the MeerKAT telescope, the MWA Telescope, the Rubin Observatory, and other publicly available astronomical resources; use these data to detect astronomical sources; and transfer key data at dramatically reduced size to CanDIAPL servers operated with the Alliance.
The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.
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Development of software to support a scientific project, conforming to project-level development standards.
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Design novel solutions to scientific challenges set at the project level.
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Carry out independent investigations of candidate solutions to problems by reviewing scientific and technical literature.
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Test software to ensure it meets science goals and performance standards.
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Document computer code.
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Create tutorials, architecture documents and presentations of the software components developed in the project.
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Attend weekly team meetings with supervisor to discuss weekly goals.
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Attend developer teleconferences.
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Commit computer code to the central repository, integrating contributions with other developers.
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Communicate with other developers at the University of Alberta and external sites as needed to manage individual development tasks.
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Meet with project management as needed to address issues as they arise.
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Travel to multi-site meetings.
Minimum Qualifications:
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BSc in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related fields.
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6 months of experience developing software for data analysis of physical systems (e.g., astrophysical, geographic, meteorological, etc.).
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Demonstrated capability to develop software in languages required by the project (Python and/or C++).
The ideal candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:
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Experience working with Python, Python visualization (matplotlib), and numerical analysis packages in Python (numpy, scipy).
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Database integration and maintenance experience;
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Experience working with collaborative software development and source control software (git);
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Experience working with debugging, optimizing, and performance testing of software;
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
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Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies;
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Experience working with astronomical databases, astronomical images, or radio interferometry.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume. The cover letter should clearly connect aspects of the CV to the Qualifications (both required and for the ideal candidate, as applicable).
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
