Gaia/Plato Software Engineer

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance, with good prospects for further extension subject to grant funding and project development.

This is an opportunity for a research software engineer to work at the Cambridge Centre of Excellence for Astronomical Data (CAMCEAD) in the Institute of Astronomy (IoA), specifically on two European Space Agency (ESA) science missions, Gaia and Plato.

The successful candidate will work within CAMCEAD's Gaia and Plato software development teams. The role involves developing on-ground data processing software for Gaia and Plato, including automation, large-scale distributed processing, data analysis, and data management. Responsibilities include systems analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, and improving existing code. The post-holder will have opportunities to expand their experience and take on various roles as needed.

The role also involves liaising with the wider Plato and Gaia project teams and external science users, with opportunities to interact with the broader CAMCEAD team.

The candidate should have good practical knowledge of software and scientific processing development and at least a BSc (Hons) degree in a numerate discipline, preferably Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a science with a significant computing component.

Required skills include knowledge of Java (familiarity with Python is an advantage), object-oriented programming, and an understanding of software design considerations. Experience with Python, Spark, Kubernetes, and database systems would be beneficial. Experience with astronomical data acquisition and reduction, as well as web-based systems, is desirable.

The post requires attending meetings in the UK and overseas, so possession of a valid passport is necessary.

Gaia is a space observatory that collected over three trillion observations of two billion stars and other objects over ten years before being decommissioned earlier this year. Data processing and analysis for the full mission will continue over the next several years, culminating in the final Gaia catalogue. The goal is a detailed study of the Milky Way's content, dynamics, and formation history. The IoA Gaia team handles processing and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data from the Gaia mission.

Plato is a mission scheduled for launch at the end of 2026 to detect and characterize exoplanets around bright stars. The IoA team is responsible for developing and operating the Exoplanet Analysis System, which detects exoplanets from high-precision photometric light curves.

To apply, click the 'Apply' button below to register an account and submit your application online.

About working at CAMCEAD: Staff undertake activities in wide-field astronomy, including roles in Gaia, Plato, CHEOPS, Euclid, and others; developing pipelines for imaging surveys and spectroscopic surveys; managing data processing and archives.

Application instructions: Provide contact details for three referees, upload a CV and publication list if available, and include a cover letter (at least one page, font size 11) explaining your suitability. Ensure referees are aware they may be contacted.

The application deadline is 23:59 BST on Friday, 12 September 2025. References may be requested by 3 October 2025. Interviews are planned for the week of 6 October 2025. The expected start date is 1 November 2025 or soon after.

Salary: Grade 7, £35,116 - £45,413 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

For informal inquiries, contact Dr. Francesca De Angeli at . For application process questions, contact . Quote reference LG46779 in your application.

The University of Cambridge supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.