Instrument Scientist
Position description
The Instrument Scientist is responsible for calibration and characterization of the radio telescope, ensuring that the data obtained is accurate and reliable. They develop methods for converting raw signals into physical units (such as Kelvin, Jansky, etc.), identify and find ways to mitigate radio interference (RFI), and work with other subteams to help optimise the instrument.
Responsibilities
- Designing and executing calibration procedures (e.g. Y-factor, hot/cold loads, noise diode, microwave absorber, etc.)
- Analysing data to characterise system noise temperature
- Converting raw signals into physical units such as Kelvin or Jansky
- Identifying, characterising and mitigating radio interference from the observing environment
- Developing Python scripts for calibration automation
- Using and improving calibration hardware
- Documenting calibration methods and RFI survey results in technical documents
- Providing calibration data to the Observing Programme and Data Reduction & Pipeline teams
Recommended Skills: knowledge of Electromagnetism, Wave Physics, Statistical Physics (e.g.
thermal noise), signal analysis, Python (specifically libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, etc.),
GNU Radio, SDR, RF circuits, experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes and
spectrum analysers
Skills You Will Develop
- You will learn radio telescope calibration techniques and noise characterisation skills
- You will learn signal analysis, identification and mitigation of radio interference (RFI)
- You will improve your Python programming for automation and data analysis
- You will learn to use laboratory equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyser)
- You will gain experience in documenting technical methodologies and writing technical documents