Data Science Team Lead

Data Science Team Lead

SRON - Netherlands Institute for Space Research

Leiden, Netherlands

Are you our new colleague?

Are you a scientist with a passion for data science and space-based research? Do you want to shape the future of a new team at the intersection of data, instrumentation, and astrophysics?

SRON is seeking a dynamic and hands-on researcher to lead its newly formed Data Science Team.

The Data Science Team is a new initiative at SRON to create audacious astrophysics from space missions throughout the mission lifecycle from concept and calibration to operations, pipelines, and scientific interpretation. The team will lead an ambitious, interdisciplinary research programme, creating and applying advanced algorithms, statistical and machine-learning methods, and modelling tools aligned with SRON’s mission and science portfolio. It will also coordinate the Science Accelerator Hub, a framework for open, reproducible tools and cross-team collaboration that delivers innovative solutions to mission-driven challenges and accelerating science harvesting. As team lead, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the strategy and composition of this new group that sits at the heart of SRON’s mission: to bring science into space. We seek a research-active scientist with a broad overview of state-of-the-art data science methods and tools, and the skills to develop and apply them to astronomical challenges.

Your position and team

As Data Science Team Lead, you will define and guide the team’s scientific vision and research agenda in close collaboration with instrument scientists, astronomers, and astrophysicists at SRON, across the Dutch community, and with international partners. Initial resources are available to establish the core of the team. The team is expected to grow through targeted recruitment and will provide a stimulating environment for researchers developing and applying advanced data-science methods and scientific algorithms. Additional project-based positions will be hosted within the Science Accelerator Hub, fostering dynamic collaboration across disciplines and research areas.

Your project

Your main role is to lead the team in conducting research bridging data science and astrophysics in the context of the SRON mission portfolio and scientific strategy. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and growing the Data Science Team;
• Facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations related to data science across SRON’s astronomy, technology and engineering programmes;
• Guiding the set up of the Science Accelerator Hub and managing its staff and resources;
• Conducting scientific research;
• Developing data science tools, models, and pipelines in collaboration with the existing science teams at SRON, in the Netherlands, and with international partners;
• Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities to expand the team;
• Managing personnel and supervising their career development;
• Serving on the Astrophysics Management Team (Astro MT).

Position requirements

We are looking for a person with leadership or leadership potential and a PhD in astrophysics, astronomy, data science, or a related field. Experience in applying advanced data science methods to concrete scientific problems is required, ideally in the context of astronomical or other complex observational data. Experience and/or demonstrated potential in growing scientific collaborations, particularly in promoting inclusion of diverse team members, is required, as is experience with or potential for coordinating and writing grant applications. Good English language skills (speaking and writing) and the ability to work both in a diverse team and independently are necessary for this position.