GNSS Data Processing - 6-month secondment (renewable once)
The BIPM seeks a secondee to collaborate with the Time department on the monitoring of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers:
- Department: Time
- Deadline for applications: 30 April 2026 (23h59 Paris time)
- Starting date: tentatively June 2026
- Contract: Secondment for an initial duration of 6 months (renewable once depending on availability) - Full-time basis, in Sèvres (Paris suburb), France
The BIPM Time Department is responsible for the computation of the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). GNSS measurements are one of the backbones of UTC computations. UTC laboratories typically maintain multiple GNSS receivers to ensure robustness and reliability of their links. It is observed that discrepancies may arise between links computed from different receivers, complicating UTC computation and undermining the reliability of the GNSS measurements. For instance, many laboratories show nanosecond level steps or slow variations when comparing receivers connected to the same UTC(k).
For this reason, the
Principal duties and responsibilities
The secondee will report to the Director of the Time Department, with day-to-day supervision of his/her activities by the leader of the GNSS group.
The successful applicant will develop a software tool for the continuous monitoring of GNSS data from different receivers. The software will automatically detect inconsistencies between different receivers and will produce plots and diagnostic reports on a dedicated webpage. These outputs will help the BIPM and National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) to identify and understand the underlying problems.
More specifically her/his duties will be:
- Develop monitoring tools
- Interact with UTC labs and the Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency Working Group GNSS (CCTF WG GNSS) to check on the possible software already available and which the community needs.
- Study the problem together with BIPM colleagues to select the best algorithms.
- Design and develop the code for appropriate diagnostic outputs.
- Test monitoring tools
- Test the developed software tools extensively on GNSS data available at the BIPM.
- Share the tools with UTC labs and CCTF WG GNSS, collect feedback, and adjust the tools accordingly.
- Set up an operational platform at the BIPM
- Implement the software tool in an operational platform with a friendly interface and organize live demonstrations with UTC colleagues.
Professional background, skills and competencies
The secondment is open to a staff member of a National Metrology Institute (NMI) or a Designated Institute (DI) from Member States and Associates, with the following qualifications and experience:
- Understanding of basic time and frequency metrology concepts.
- Understanding of GNSS-based time transfer.
- Experience in software development for scientific computing (Python and Matlab preferred).
- High level of written and spoken English.
- Ability to maintain good working relations inside and outside the organization.
Conditions
A full-time secondment contract for an initial duration of 6 months (renewable once depending on availability) will be arranged.
The seconding institute continues to pay the secondee's salary and related costs for the secondment period. In addition, the BIPM pays a monthly allowance to the secondee, in euros, to cover living costs in Paris area. The secondee remains an employee of his/her institute. The Secondee shall not at any time be considered as a staff member of the BIPM.
The BIPM will also provide support in facilitating the issuance of specific visas if needed, including for the accompanying family members if applicable, and in finding local furnished accommodation.
Applications
The BIPM encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender.
Informal enquiries can, in the first instance, be made directly to the Time Department Director, Dr Patrizia Tavella: patrizia.tavella(a)bipm.org.
A full curriculum vitae (CV), a covering letter (in English), examples of scientific software personally coded, and a letter of support from the NMI/DI Director of the applicant including his/her period of availability should be sent no later than
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. They may be invited to take part in a distance written test and/or in a remote interview as part of the selection process. A rooster of suitable candidate(s) may be kept for this secondment opportunity. The selection process may be modified.
The BIPM retains the discretion not to fill this secondment opportunity, to offer a contract with a modified job description, or to offer a contract term for a different duration than the one indicated in this secondment announcement.
Suivez-nous
