Data Scientist

The public company Gran Telescopio de Canarias, S.A. (GRANTECAN) is launching an open selection process to recruit one Data Scientist to contribute to the implementation of new or enhanced observational capabilities at the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC).

GRANTECAN looks for people with outstanding talent and skills to operate, maintain and improve the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC), enabling the execution of scientific projects of the highest quality in the field of Astrophysics. To this end, it requires people with integrity, responsibility, transparency, respect and honesty in their work, who seek continuous improvement, personal safety, the integrity of the facility, efficiency and innovation in their actions, as well as responsible and sustainable use, with the primary objective of caring for the environment., The selected candidate will report hierarchically to the Head of Engineering Operations or the Head of Scientific Operations, depending on their profile. Their main activity will be framed within the following scientific-technical services:

• High Spatial Resolution Astronomical Observations. One of GTC’s priorities is the implementation of diffraction-limited observing capabilities. This includes the commissioning of the GTC Adaptive Optics System (GTCAO), the Laser Guide Star System, and associated scientific instrumentation (GRANCAIN and FRIDA). It also requires improving the telescope’s optical quality and operational procedures in order to achieve nominal performance. GRANTECAN seeks a specialist in data analysis and software development to support the commissioning, optimisation, and enhancement of all operational processes related to the implementation of routine scientific observations using adaptive optics, as well as of the other scientific instruments at the GTC;
• Digital Transformation. GRANTECAN is undertaking a deep digital transformation aimed at optimising the telescope’s operational processes and increasing its efficiency, automation and performance. This includes innovative aspects based on Industry 4.0 digital enablers such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Big Data, Digital Twins, etc. Within this process, the successful candidate’s role will be to contribute to the implementation of the analytical layer, incorporating solutions for GTC data analysis focused on improving and automating operations, enabling prescriptive maintenance, adding cyber-physical capabilities to critical GTC systems, and building a digital twin.

• First-cycle university degree [QF-EHEA] (MECES Level 2) in Software Engineering, Data Science, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent disciplines;
• Full current driving licence (Level B or higher)., * Data analysis and Big Data;
• Programming in C, C++ or Python;
• Operation and development of optical/infrared telescopes;
• Effective communication in Spanish, both spoken and written, sufficient to perform the required professional duties;
• Effective communication in English, both spoken and written, sufficient to perform the required professional duties.

Experience and/or Knowledge in Complementary Specific Competencies

• MECES Level 3 or 4 (QF-EHEA) in disciplines listed in Section A;
• Artificial Intelligence;
• Data visualisation platforms;
• Cloud computing;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment;
• Leadership and organisational skills, with emphasis on adapting to change, transparency, selforganisation and teamwork.