The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) is seeking applications from Software Engineers to fill vacancies that are shortly due to arise. One post will be on a permanent basis, the other a 2 years fixed term appointment.

The ING comprises 3 world class optical telescopes: the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope, the largest and most advanced telescope in Europe; the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope and the 1-m, Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope. ING is located on the island of La Palma in the Canaries where it has a sea level base in the island’s capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma. The telescopes, which operate 365 nights of the year, are 2400 metres above sea level at the international Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos. They are equipped with a range of instruments using solid state optical and infra-red detectors. ING is in the process of commissioning an adaptive optics (AO) system on the WHT and expects to commission instruments suited to AO observing thereafter.

These Software Engineer posts will report directly to the Head of ING’s Control Software Group. This group is responsible for the development and support of control system software for the Telescopes, instrumentation and data acquisition. New instrumentation systems are being developed using Sun Solaris, ANSI C, Tcl/Tk, Python, with low level control computers running VxWorks and EPICS.

The post-holders will be expected to work with engineers and staff astronomers, as well as assist visiting astronomers. The ability to work in informal teams without direct supervision is essential, as are good communication skills. Main duties are:

• Design, develop, test and commission software to control instruments and detectors
• Diagnose and fix reported problems
• Take part as reviewer in inspections of documents and code

In addition the post-holders will be expected to work at the Telescopes, on a rostered basis, providing daytime support as part of the multi-disciplinary Operations Team as well as providing technical support at night and weekends as Duty Engineer with responsibility for site safety.

The post-holders may also become involved in other aspects of ING’s development work such as

• Acting as Project Manager for software projects
• Helping define requirements in conjunction with Project Scientist
• Managing projects which include work from other disciplines (Electronic, Mechanical etc.)

Applicants must possess:

• At least 2 years experience of developing software in C and in a Unix environment, preferably for instrument control
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary project teams
• Good analytical and trouble shooting skills
• Degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline
• Full driving licence

Knowledge and experience of any of the following would be advantageous:

• Knowledge of real-time software techniques and operating systems
• Graphical User Interface Construction, TCL/Tk, Python, DSPs
• VxWorks, EPICS
• VAX/VMS, FORTRAN, Telescope Control Systems
• DRAMA, ADAM, ICL, Pascal, Forth
• Object Oriented analysis and Design, C++, Java, CORBA, XML
• Solaris device drivers
• Complete software life-cycle and relevant standards, Software Testing Techniques
• Some knowledge of Astronomy, observation techniques and data reduction
• Some background knowledge of Electronics
• Work at a comparable observatory or similar establishment
• Ability to speak Spanish or willingness to learn

Applicants should also:

• be able to estimate and plan work
• possess good time management skills

The posts are at PPARC’s Band 4 level (although consideration will be given to appoint at Band 3 for exceptional candidates). Starting pay will be in the range £17,880 to £22790 with possible progression to £27,267 (£22,350 to £28,487 plus progresson to £34,517 for Band 3). As the post will be based in La Palma, PPARC's overseas terms and conditions will apply. These are analogous to those of the Civil Service and include the payment of overseas allowances, the provision of rent free accommodation and a relocation package. Overtime is payable for rostered and non-rostered overtime.

Individuals wishing to apply for these vacancies should send an application form to the ING’s Head of Personnel by the closing date of 25 August. An electronic version of the PPARC application form may be found on ING’s web site under the section headed ‘About ING, Job Opportunities’.

This vacancy is also being advertised across the Civil Service, jobs.ac.uk, the internet and the press.

PPARC is fully committed to the equality of opportunity in the workplace.

L Edwins
Isaac Newton Group

For Director, ING
10 July 2000