Research software engineering as a model for inclusive and sustainable careers in astronomy

Nuria P. Lorente; Simon J. O'Toole; Elizabeth J. A. Davies; Tony J. Farrell; Brent Miszalski; Nuwanthika Fernando

doi:10.1117/12.3020652

26 July 2024 Research software engineering as a model for inclusive and sustainable careers in astronomy

Nuria P. Lorente, Simon J. O'Toole, Elizabeth J. A. Davies, Tony J. Farrell, Brent Miszalski, Nuwanthika Fernando

Proceedings Volume 13098, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems X; 130980I (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020652
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

From the collection of proposals, telescope and instrument control, driving archives, and simulating and processing data, research software and data engineering underpins almost every process in the advancement of astronomy. And yet this has at times been an afterthought, receiving little attention or funding. Some institutes have always valued software engineering, and the community is slowly coming to realize that the discipline must be supported so that the best science can be carried out. We will discuss software engineering careers within astronomy, and the problems we must tackle if we wish to continue to attract excellent minds to our field from a diverse range of backgrounds. Not just attract but retain them, in an era where flexible working conditions are no longer a perk of academia, and salary disparity between our institutions and industry is larger than ever. We describe the AAO’s Research Data and Software section’s work to provide a stable career path for its engineers, and to attract a portfolio of work which both satisfies the requirements of the instrumentation and data projects, and the needs of our team to have a challenging, creative, and fulfilling work life.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Nuria P. Lorente, Simon J. O'Toole, Elizabeth J. A. Davies, Tony J. Farrell, Brent Miszalski, and Nuwanthika Fernando "Research software engineering as a model for inclusive and sustainable careers in astronomy", Proc. SPIE 13098, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems X, 130980I (26 July 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020652

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available