Job Type
Background
IT
Other Science and Tech
Languages
Experience Required
Degree Required
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Noordwijk
Province
-
December 28,2020
Date Posted
Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Advanced Software Technologies
The Software Systems Division deals with development techniques for ground and space systems. This covers all life-cycle aspects from requirements specification to development, verification, validation and maintenance. Within this Division, the Software Technology Section aims to explore the use of new technologies in the different areas. This covers several technologies and domains of application:
- Machine Learning (ML) techniques for verification, validation and maintenance based on the analysis of data captured during verification and validation tests or data available on board a spacecraft.
- Planning techniques to increase the on-board autonomy of spacecraft that are part of a telecommunication or Earth observation constellation.
- Model-Based System/Software Engineering to verify the correctness of the models that are used for the automatic generation of code.
The Research Fellow (RF) will be assigned to consolidating research and applying a new technology in one of the following topics. Each topic can be consolidated with respect to the profile and experience of the candidate.
Machine Learning: preventive maintenance
On this topic, the objective of the RF project is to study the state of the art of machine learning and data mining algorithms that would make it possible to detect anomalies in the data recorded during the verification and validation of space systems and apply the most appropriate one to a set of representative (or real) time series. The anomalies to detect include regressions with respect to previous execution of the tests, sporadic behaviours as well as identification of trends that could lead to anomalies through automatic and exhaustive analysis of test results and system of systems environment data.
Planning: Autonomous operations
On this topic, the objective of the RF project is to study the state of the art of planning algorithms that would support on-board autonomous operations of a telecommunication or Earth observation constellation. The autonomy concepts shall be implemented on board the spacecraft of the constellation in order to manage high-level requests (objectives and constraints) sent from Ground. The overall planning is distributed among all spacecraft to ensure the highest availability (telecommunication) or the highest reactivity (Earth observation) of the mission.
Model-Based System/Software Engineering: Model Checking
On this topic, the objective of the RF project is to study the state of the art of formal verification, in order to develop and integrate model-checking techniques into ESA's Model-Based development framework (TASTE, check https://taste.tools ) and to demonstrate them. The approach relies on the joint use of formal modelling languages (SDL, MSC, ASN.1) and constrained programming languages such as Spark/Ada. The RF shall assess the possibility to reuse existing languages and tools (e.g. Promela/Spin, Uppaal, BIP, IF) and define a realistic engineering work plan to design, implement and put together the tools needed for the introduction of model-checking into the TASTE framework.
Applicants should have recently completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in computer science, modelling methods, or systems (requirements) engineering. Preference will be given to candidates awarded their doctorate within past five years.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
The closing date for applications is 01 February 2021.
In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please add your proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining your proposed research in the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at contact.human.resources@esa.int .
