The successful candidate will be trained by the team as necessary to enable them to work with the CEI SMILE project team on the maintenance and operation of the CCD camera test system, including the associated data acquisition and analysis software. Results from the analysis of in-orbit data and the ground-based CCD testing will be used to optimise their performance in the SMILE flight camera and provide experimental data to support in-orbit operations.

The role holder will also attend regular project meetings and conferences, deliver progress reports and interface with team members and external scientists and engineers from the University of Leicester, Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL), UKSA and ESA. Ultimately, the role holder is expected to become a key expert in the development, operation and performance of the SMILE SXI CCDs in-orbit after the mission’s launch in early 2026.

Key Responsibilities

With appropriate training and support, the role holder will:

• Operate and maintain the SMILE CCD electro-optical test camera system.
• Develop, plan and execute electro-optical test and characterisation campaigns for the SMILE CCD based on live requirements as the mission progresses.
• Analyse the results of the SMILE CCD electro-optical test, characterisation and previous radiation campaigns and provide insights to those results based on the project requirements.
• Investigate and recommend the optimal CCD operational parameters to ensure the best performance from the CCD during the SMILE mission lifetime.
• Support the analysis of the SMILE CCD radiation damage studies and support development of radiation correction algorithms for the SMILE SXI data processing pipeline.
• Provide experimental test data to the SMILE SXI CCD performance verification team.
• Professionally document role activities and contribute to the CEI SMILE project documentation and data deliverables to the SMILE SXI Consortium and SMILE CCD Working Group.
• Work closely with the CEI SMILE Project Team to ensure the progress of work adheres to any programmatic timescales and report problems and non-compliances to the Project Team.
• Support the wider detector research of the Centre for Electronic Imaging, including work towards NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, X-ray CMOS development, and ongoing testing of the EMCCDs for the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
• Attend regular Project meetings, workshops and conferences. Report progress verbally and in written form.
• Contribute additional material and inputs as required for publications by the academic team.
• Support external collaborators (e.g. University of Leicester, MSSL, ESA) as directed by the Project Lead.
• Promote knowledge and technology exchange with Teledyne e2v and other project collaborators and contribute to the wider research activities of the CEI, where required.

About You

Essential:

• A PhD in Physics, Engineering or a closely related subject.
• Good understanding and experience in the characterisation of image sensors or equivalent and proficiency with data collection and data processing.
• Good understanding of and demonstrable experience in writing bespoke data acquisition and/or data analysis code and/or software algorithms with a focus on interfacing with test systems and automation of test measurements.
• Demonstrable proficiency in coding in any of MATLAB, C/C++, Java and/or Python (or similar) development environments.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills, demonstrated logical and rigorous approach to work.
• A strong commitment to excellence in inclusive learning and teaching for a diverse student population.
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.

Desirable:

• Experience with CCD and/or CMOS imaging sensors; operation, test and calibration.
• Experience with X-ray and optical testing of imaging sensors.
• Knowledge or some experience in Astronomy/Space Science or applications of high performance imaging sensors.
• Electronics experience in fields related to CCD and CMOS imagers, including analogue and digital practice, plus data acquisition.
• Experience in the formation of simulation software to model physical effects and form predictive models to extrapolate performance.
• Experience in supervising research students.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as the position will involve some laboratory-based work, including operation and maintenance of the ground-test system, it is expected that the role holder will be available on-site in Milton Keynes when required which will likely be up to 3 times per week on average.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place on 17th and/or 18th September.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your current skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)