Postdoc in Particle and Nuclear Physics, Edinburg (deadline:10 July 2015)

The GridPP collaboration provides the UK distributed computing and data storage facilities required by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments at CERN and other non-LHC experiments. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) has recently been approved in the UK and will pilot a UK Data Access Centre. This role involves co-ordination of GridPP storage activities and working with relevant Worldwide LHC computing Grid groups as well as responsibility for developing LSST computing and a DAC centre in the UK, and managing LSST use of GridPP.Postdoctoral

Details

Vacancy Ref: :033426

Closing Date :10-Jul-2015

Contact Person :Gill Maddy

Contact Number :+44 (0) 131 650 5304

Contact Email :gill.maddy@ed.ac.uk

To provide support for scientific data management for GridPP data centres (50%) and LSST computing and DAC development (50%). 1 year fixed term with likely extension for an additional year.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Peter Clarke (peter.clarke@ed.ac.uk) or Dr Bob Mann(rgm@roe.ac.uk)

Job title: Postdoctoral Research Associate for GridPP and LSST data management
School/Support Department: School of Physics and Astronomy
Unit (if applicable): Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics
Term: One year, fixed-term, with likely extension for an additional year
Line manager: Prof. Peter Clarke.

Job Purpose

The post is to provide support for scientific data management for GridPP data centres in the UK (50%) and LSST computing and DAC development (50%).

Main Responsibilities

* Co-ordination of GridPP storage activities,
*Setting technical direction and providing expertise to GridPP site managers.
* Working with relevant Worldwide LHC computing Grid groups.
* Responsibility for developing LSST computing operations.
* Developing a pilot Data Access Centre in the UK.
* Managing LSST use of GridPP.

Planning and Organising

The post holder works within the context of a clear framework defined by the research programme, but within that framework are expected to plan and organise their own work, regularly reporting progress to the PI.

Problem Solving

The post holder will make well defined but creative contributions to the research programme, and so need to solve problems on a daily basis in order to complete their own work. In collaboration with the PI and other colleagues on the research programme, they will also share in the process of solving broader problems.

Decision Making

The post holder is required to deliver their agreed contributions to the research programme with relatively little detailed input, and so need to make decisions on a daily basis. In collaboration with the PI and other colleagues on the research programme, they will also share in decisions concerning broader issues.

Key Contacts/Relationships

* The UK GridPP and LSST communities.
* The international WLCG community.
* The global LSST computing team.
* Staff in the Edinburgh Particle and Astronomy Groups.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job

Qualifications:
Degree in appropriate field
• PhD in Particle Physics, Astronomy or another appropriate discipline, or about to obtain a PhD in an appropriate discipline.
• Strong interest in petabyte scale distributed data management,
• Linux experience of Linux, C++ and Python
• Communication skills, an ability to rapidly learn new technologies

Desirable:
• Research experience within particle physics or astronomy
• Experience of one or more storage and transport technologies
• Experience of Xrootd and DPM would be particularly useful
• Large scale scientific data processing
• RHEL and Scientific Linux
• Open source package and configuration management tools.

Application Procedure

All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page and submitting an up to date CV. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.

The closing date is 5pm GMT on 10 July 2015.

Eligibility to Work

In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.

For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website

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