Detector Scientist for Space Applications

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University invites applications for a Detector Scientist for Space Applications in Milton Keynes. The role focuses on detector systems for the ESA-CAS SMILE mission, involving in-orbit operations, calibration, and data analysis, with collaboration across Leicester, MSSL, UKSA and ESA.

Initial contract runs to Sept 2028 with extension possible based on funding. Join the CEI team to advance UV/X-ray detectors, contribute to NASA and ESA missions, and support development of next‑gen

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with image sensors (CCD/CMOS) and data analysis.
• Strong coding skills in MATLAB, C/C++, Java or Python.
• Ability to plan, execute and document detector test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the SMILE CCD electro‑optical test camera system.
• Plan and execute test and characterisation campaigns for the SMILE CCD.
• Analyse test results and provide insights to project needs.
• Investigate optimal CCD parameters for mission lifetime performance.
• Support radiation damage studies and correction algorithms.
• Provide experimental data to the SMILE verification teams.
• Document activities and contribute to project deliverables.
• Collaborate with external partners and project teams as required.
• Promote knowledge exchange with Teledyne e2v and collaborators.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

Java

Python

Job description

Detector Scientist for Space Applications

Advert Reference Number

1825

Job Location

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department

School of Physical Sciences

Closing Date

6 September 2026

Weekly Working Hours

37

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date

30 September 2028

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work primarily on a joint European Space Agency (ESA) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) mission, launched in May 2026. The role will initially run until 30th September 2028; an extension beyond this date will be considered if external project funding allows nearer the time. The mission is planned with a nominal 3-years in-orbit, with an increasing requirement for detector optimisation and calibration as the mission progresses due to the damage that the detector will receive in the space radiation environment. In addition, the role holder will have opportunities to support the wider detector research within the group, including developments in UV detectors towards the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory, new X-ray CMOS detectors for future astronomy missions, alongside ongoing work on the EMCCDs used in the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

The Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI) is a research centre based within the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University. The CEI is a collaboration between the Open University and Teledyne e2v, a world-leading manufacturer of scientific and industrial image sensors. The CEI is dedicated to conducting research into advanced imaging technologies for science applications and conducts its research in collaboration with many universities, agencies and companies including the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, NASA and Teledyne e2v.

One such mission is the joint European Space Agency (ESA) - Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Solar Magnetospheric Ionospheric Link Explorer (SMILE), due to launch in early 2026, which will study the interaction between the Earth’s magnetosphere-ionosphere system and the solar wind on a global scale. The CEI is part of the SMILE Soft X-ray Imager (SXI) consortium and has been responsible for the testing, modelling and verification of the performance of the CCD used in the SMILE SXI instrument. As we move into the post-launch phase of operations, the CEI will continue to lead on detector performance monitoring, in-orbit optimisation and calibration requirements.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual to join the CEI project team as a Detector Scientist for Space Applications. The role holder will be engaged in many aspects of the in-orbit operations in collaboration with the instrument leads at University of Leicester, including development, planning and execution of CCD calibration, managing device anomalies, monitoring performance, and optimisation of operations. Alongside analysis of in-orbit data, the role holder will run and maintain the CEI’s CCD ground test system, replicating any device anomalies or performance modifications in the laboratory to better understand and improve flight performance.

The successful candidate will be trained by the team as necessary to enable them to work with the CEI SMILE project team on the maintenance and operation of the CCD camera test system, including the associated data acquisition and analysis software. Results from the analysis of in-orbit data and the ground-based CCD testing will be used to optimise their performance in the SMILE flight camera and provide experimental data to support in-orbit operations.

The role holder will also attend regular project meetings and conferences, deliver progress reports and interface with team members and external scientists and engineers from the University of Leicester, Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL), UKSA and ESA. Ultimately, the role holder is expected to become a key expert in the development, operation and performance of the SMILE SXI CCDs in-orbit after the mission’s launch in early 2026.

Key Responsibilities

With appropriate training and support, the role holder will:

• Operate and maintain the SMILE CCD electro-optical test camera system.
• Develop, plan and execute electro-optical test and characterisation campaigns for the SMILE CCD based on live requirements as the mission progresses.
• Analyse the results of the SMILE CCD electro-optical test, characterisation and previous radiation campaigns and provide insights to those results based on the project requirements.
• Investigate and recommend the optimal CCD operational parameters to ensure the best performance from the CCD during the SMILE mission lifetime.
• Support the analysis of the SMILE CCD radiation damage studies and support development of radiation correction algorithms for the SMILE SXI data processing pipeline.
• Provide experimental test data to the SMILE SXI CCD performance verification team.
• Professionally document role activities and contribute to the CEI SMILE project documentation and data deliverables to the SMILE SXI Consortium and SMILE CCD Working Group.
• Work closely with the CEI SMILE Project Team to ensure the progress of work adheres to any programmatic timescales and report problems and non-compliances to the Project Team.
• Support the wider detector research of the Centre for Electronic Imaging, including work towards NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, X-ray CMOS development, and ongoing testing of the EMCCDs for the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
• Attend regular Project meetings, workshops and conferences. Report progress verbally and in written form.
• Contribute additional material and inputs as required for publications by the academic team.
• Support external collaborators (e.g. University of Leicester, MSSL, ESA) as directed by the Project Lead.
• Promote knowledge and technology exchange with Teledyne e2v and other project collaborators and contribute to the wider research activities of the CEI, where required.

About You

• A PhD in Physics, Engineering or a closely related subject.
• Good understanding and experience in the characterisation of image sensors or equivalent and proficiency with data collection and data processing.
• Good understanding of and demonstrable experience in writing bespoke data acquisition and/or data analysis code and/or software algorithms with a focus on interfacing with test systems and automation of test measurements.
• Demonstrable proficiency in coding in any of MATLAB, C/C++, Java and/or Python (or similar) development environments.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills, demonstrated logical and rigorous approach to work.
• A strong commitment to excellence in inclusive learning and teaching for a diverse student population.
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.
• Experience with CCD and/or CMOS imaging sensors; operation, test and calibration.
• Experience with X-ray and optical testing of imaging sensors.
• Knowledge or some experience in Astronomy/Space Science or applications of high performance imaging sensors.
• Electronics experience in fields related to CCD and CMOS imagers, including analogue and digital practice, plus data acquisition.
• Experience in the formation of simulation software to model physical effects and form predictive models to extrapolate performance.
• Experience in supervising research students.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as the position will involve some laboratory-based work, including operation and maintenance of the ground-test system, it is expected that the role holder will be available on‑site in Milton Keynes when required which will likely be up to 3 times per week on average.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place on 17th and/or 18th September.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.