The Solar Orbiter is an ESA mission due to be launched in 2017. The payload includes a spectrometer, SPICE, observing the Sun in Extreme Ultraviolet wavelengths. A full time position is available in the Solar Physics group at the STFC RAL Space department to provide scientific support for the development of the SPICE spectrometer, including instrument radiometric calibration, post-launch commissioning and preparation for science operations in collaboration with other Solar Orbiter instruments. The appointment will be to the STFC band D salary scale: £26,610 to £29,566 depending on experience.

The successful applicant should hold a PhD in solar physics or a closely related subject, have a good knowledge of physics of the solar corona, EUV spectroscopy and related atomic physics, spectroscopic and image data processing techniques, EUV spectrometers, and be experienced in the IDL programming language. Experience in using data from multi-spacecraft solar measurements and SolarSoft software package would be an advantage. Knowledge of space instruments operations and data formats is also desirable. Candidates should have excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English, and must be able to work effectively both on their own and as part of a large team. Ability to carry out independent scientific research is essential. The post involves some travel in the UK and overseas. The closing date for applications is 15 March 2013. The interview date is 17 April 2013 and will be held at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Full requirements of the post and instructions how to apply are available at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc81129_2739.aspx