The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) comprises three optical telescopes: the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT), the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) and the 1-m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope (JKT). They are situated at an altitude of 2400m at El Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.

The Group is accepting applications from dynamic individuals for the post of Data Manager. This strategic position reports to the Head of the Computer Facilities Group who has overall responsibility for the provision of computing services to the staff and visitors of the ING. This is a high performance, 365 day a year operation which has a world renowned reputation for excellence.

Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the integrity of observational data produced by the ING’s three telescopes. This is a critical, operational requirement that involves state-of-the-art data management methodologies. In particular you will focus on the development of a new DVD archive system to replace our existing CD archive system. You will design, develop and implement in-house tools to automate our data management and reduce manual intervention. Whilst taking the ING forward with new technologies, you will work closely with the Astronomy group to ensure that any future demands on data requirements can be met.

The post-holder will be expected to work with engineers and staff astronomers, as well as assisting visiting astronomers.

The successful candidate will be educated to first degree level or have an equivalent qualification or experience. Experience of any of the following would also be advantageous:

• Electronic Data Management and Archival Systems
• Perl
• Shell Scripting

• Sybase

A knowledge of programming with Perl, HTML and shell scripts would be advantageous but not essential. The Sybase database management system provides the core element for our data management strategy and thus any Sybase skills would be welcomed. Candidates should have a theoretical understanding of IP networking technologies and a conceptual understanding of data archiving methodologies. In addition to these skills a good working knowledge of UNIX (Sun Solaris 2 and Redhat) and Windows 95/98/NT/2000 will be expected.

You will possess the ability to communicate effectively in English, be a self-starter, a vivid team player with effective problem-solving and inter-personal skills. The ability to work without direct supervision is essential.

Your work will be split between the telescopes at El Roque and the Sea-Level Office. The appointed individual will be available for duties on a rota system as part of a multi-disciplinary Operations Team and occasional work outside normal office hours to rectify data management related issues that may arise. The ability to converse in Spanish would be desirable but not essential and a full driving is required.

The position is initially offered on a 3 year fixed-term contract. The post of Data Manager is Grade 2 on a local contract, attracting an annual salary of 3.665.362 ptas, with the opportunity for future pay progression based on individual performance.

In addition to basic salary a range of benefits are offered to employees including generous annual leave entitlement, telephone line rental subsidy, school subsidy for staff with children up to the age of 21 and assistance with relocation where appropriate.

To apply for this position please complete our standard application form, which can be found on this website at http://www.ing.iac.es/About-ING/Vacancies/vacancies1.html In your application please outline how your skills and experience make you suitable for the post.

Please return completed applications by email to: lal@ing.iac.es or by post to: -

Lucy Lawler, Personnel Officer,

Apartado de correos, 321,

38700 Santa Cruz de la Palma,

Canary Islands,

Spain