The Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is looking for a software developer to further develop tools for simulations and data analysis. You will be part of a team that uses radar and optical systems in combination with numerical simulations to conduct research and development work in the study of meteors and space objects.
Duties
The Earth is surrounded by space debris - from spent satellites and rocket stages to fragments of material - with a total mass of the order of 10,000 tons. Collisions in space have created an estimated one million objects larger than 1 cm. Their orbital parameters need to be mapped to avoid future collisions and an exponential increase in the number of new objects.
IRF is leading a feasibility study for a new Nordic radar system for space object observations. The feasibility study is carried out on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Safety Program. You will further develop IRF's tools for simulating and evaluating how well radar systems contribute to space security.
The same research group at IRF uses, among other things, EISCAT's radar system in Scandinavia and on Svalbard to conduct research on meteors and space objects. Your work includes further development of IRF's software and numerical tools for analyzing radar data. The work is close to researchers, which means that you will have the opportunity to participate in the research process and further development of operational systems.
Qualifications
We believe that you have a university degree in computer science, software development, or have skills and work experience that the employer considers equivalent.
You are interested in understanding the big picture of the software you develop. You don't necessarily need to understand all the physics, but want to be well aware of how it is used and what concrete problem it solves.
Development is mainly done in Python supported by low-level languages such as C, Fortran, or Rust, so we assume you have knowledge of at least one of these. Alternatively, you have experience with similar languages and an ability and willingness to learn new things. You think version control is a given and can use git. Since you will be developing software that runs in a Linux environment, we assume that you have basic knowledge of such operating systems.
Experience in more programming languages, tools and development methods, such as Bash, test-driven development, developer operations, continuous integration (gitlab ci), etc. is meritorious.
It is important that you can communicate in English.
Terms and conditions
The position is located at the head office in Kiruna and limited to one year with the possibility of extension. Start date in January 2025 or as agreed. We apply individual salary setting.
The application should include a CV and a cover letter (max one page) describing relevant experience. Copies of academic certificates and contact information for references are desirable.
The Institute for Space Physics, IRF, is a government agency that conducts basic research and postgraduate education in space physics, atmospheric physics and space technology. Many of IRF's projects are run as large international projects in collaboration with other research institutes and space organizations. IRF has about a hundred employees and has operations in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala and Lund. More information about IRF.