Research engineer in scientific computing (M/F)

Missions

The mission consists in developing a calculation code ("pygeodyn") dedicated to the study of the magnetic field of the earth’s core developed in the laboratory.

Activities

– To appropriate a computational code (in python, parallelized, documented, versioned) dedicated to the study of the magnetic field of the earth’s core. The code is coupled to a web interface for visualization (https://geodyn.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr).
– Evolve this code: software development in python, versioning under gitlab, continuous integration, deployment, documentation...
– Participate in the integration of new algorithms, in collaboration with the researchers.
– Participate in work meetings within the ISTerre geodynamo team, and with its international collaborators.
Skills

Main skills:

– Mastery of the Python language and its calculation libraries (numpy, scipy...).
– Scientific computing, algorithmic.
– Ability to develop in Linux environment.
– Good knowledge of collaborative tools (software forges, version manager...).
Associated skills:
– Knowledge of low level languages (e.g. C, Fortran) is a plus.
– Knowledge of scientific visualization tools (e.g. Paraview, matplotlib).
– Good writing skills (French, English).
– Proficiency in technical written English in the field.
– Autonomy (self-training, decision making).

Work context

The agent will be attached to the UMR 5275, ISTerre laboratory, on the Saint Martin d’Hères campus. He/she will be integrated in the GEODATA department (10 persons) and will work in close relation with the researchers of the Geodynamo team composed of 9 researchers. He/she will be required to travel for short missions in the framework of national or international collaboration.

The Swarm mission of ESA provides measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field recorded on board three satellites. CNES supports the work of the geodynamo team of ISTerre, which reconstructs from these data the flows in the liquid core of the Earth. This involves inversions performed on the computing and hosting services of the university site, notably those of the OSUG Data Center.

We aim to label our product "core flows" to the European Space Agency, as are for example the magnetic field or mantle conductivity models. Our reconstructions are used by our colleagues to analyze the dynamics in the core or to interpret the time series of the day. Our codes may eventually serve as a benchmark for the development of alternative algorithms. In this context, we aim to deliver our flow models and computational codes in an operational way.

Additional information

Required degree and experience:
– Engineering degree or Ph.D. in the following fields: applied mathematics, computer science, (geo-)physics.
– Experience in a scientific research environment is a plus
A contract extension of up to 2 years may be considered subject to the agreement of the funding agencies (CNES/ESA).