The CTAO Central Organisation is seeking a coordinator for the Gamma-Ray Centre of Expertise to support the Project Science Office at its Headquarters in Bologna, Italy. The position is offered as part of the EU-funded ACME project (Astrophysics Centre for Multi-messenger Studies in Europe) and has a duration of one year with the possibility of an extension.
The creation of the Gamma-Ray Centre of Expertise is a key objective of the ACME project. This centre unites specialists from internationally recognised institutions with deep expertise in observational strategies and data analysis for both high-energy and very-high-energy gamma-ray facilities, including satellite missions and ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. The CTAO is acting as coordinator of all contributing experts to offer a dedicated user support service aimed at broadening the scientific community’s engagement with gamma-ray data. In particular, the Gamma-Ray Centre of Expertise will offer dedicated support in the following areas:
- High-energy gamma-ray sources and detection strategies
- Data analysis and scientific interpretation
- Multiwavelength and multi-messenger coordination
- Technical aspects of the Cherenkov detection technique
Your tasks:
- Lead the development and coordination of the Gamma-Ray Centre of Expertise within the ACME project, establishing it as a lasting legacy tool that continues to operate beyond the project’s conclusion.
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge database on gamma-ray instruments, detailing their scientific capabilities, available web tools, and software resources.
- Create use cases for the user support system of the Gamma-Ray Centre of Expertise, with a strategic emphasis on multi-messenger science applications.
- Assist in the establishment and setup of the helpdesk system.
- Provide direct support to users via the helpdesk, offering guidance on tools for defining observational strategies, data analysis, and interpretation of archived data.
- Support the organisation in events such as schools and workshops, including virtual hands-on sessions focused on proposal writing and data analysis.
- Contribute to the development of procedures that will support transnational access, i.e. enable researchers from one country to access research infrastructures located in another country, free of charge.
- Actively participate in ACME meetings.
Your qualifications, experience and skills:
- A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field.
- Prior experience in high-energy and very-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, both in terms of proposal writing and data analysis is highly desirable.
- Prior experience in multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy, both in terms of proposal writing and data analysis is highly desirable.
- Strong coordination capacity in the context of an international and multicultural environment.
- Familiarity with gamma-ray analysis software packages, including gammapy, fermipy, and fermi science analysis tools.
Your supervisor: CTAO Project Scientist
Your duty station: Bologna, Italy
What we offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with the salary determined based on the candidate’s experience and ability.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Flexible working hours and partial remote work options.
- Short-term contract of 1 year with possibility of extension.
Apply on BambooHR: https://ctao.bamboohr.com/careers/46?source=aWQ9MTU%3D
Deadline for applications: 6 July 2025
For more information on the advertised position please contact ctao-hr@cta-observatory.org.
Applications are accepted without distinction on any grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, gender identity, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.