Detector Scientist for Space Applications (Space Science)

TL;DR

Detector Scientist for Space Applications (Space Science): Operating, testing, and calibrating CCD detectors for the ESA–CAS SMILE space mission with an accent on in-orbit performance monitoring, radiation damage analysis, and electro-optical characterisation. Focus on developing calibration campaigns, investigating detector anomalies, optimising flight-camera operations, and supporting advanced imaging research for future NASA and ESA missions.

Location: Hybrid role based in Milton Keynes, UK, with on-site laboratory work required up to three times per week on average.

Salary: £38,784–£56,535 per year.

Company

hirify.global is a UK university focused on flexible higher education and research, including advanced imaging technologies through its Centre for Electronic Imaging.

What you will do

• Operate and maintain the SMILE CCD electro-optical test camera and associated data acquisition and analysis systems.
• Plan and execute CCD testing, characterisation, calibration, and radiation-damage campaigns.
• Analyse in-orbit and ground-test data to identify anomalies, assess performance, and recommend operating parameters.
• Support radiation-correction algorithms and provide experimental data for the SMILE SXI performance-verification team.
• Document technical activities, contribute to project deliverables and publications, and report progress to project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the University of Leicester, MSSL, ESA, UKSA, Teledyne e2v, and wider detector-research teams.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience characterising image sensors and processing data from test systems.
• Experience writing data-acquisition or data-analysis software and automating test measurements.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, Java, Python, or a similar development environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, research, and knowledge-exchange skills.
• Availability for laboratory-based work on-site in Milton Keynes as required.

Nice to have

• Experience with CCD or CMOS sensor operation, testing, and calibration.
• Experience with X-ray or optical imaging-sensor testing.
• Knowledge of astronomy, space science, electronics, or high-performance imaging systems.
• Experience developing simulation and predictive-modelling software.
• Experience supervising research students.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, job sharing, part-time work, and compressed hours.
• Opportunities to contribute to ESA and NASA space-mission research.
• Collaboration with universities, space agencies, and scientific-technology companies.
• Staff benefits and policies supporting work-life balance.
• Training and support provided for the SMILE project systems and operations.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV and a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words.
• Shortlisted candidates are expected to interview on 17 or 18 September.
• Applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the vacancy may close early.