Call for Expressions of Interest Now open

Expressions of interest are being accepted from now until 4 October 2019 for the 2020A semester of the ADACS Software Support Program.

What is the ADACS Software Support Program (SSP)?

A principal component of ADACS is the provision of expertise for the design and development of software tools and infrastructure. In addition to providing resources and support for our major data platforms (e.g. the All-Sky Virtual Observatory project, and the gSTAR data management and collaboration platform), ADACS provides support to tools/platforms covering the full range of scales by providing scientific computing and software development as a service. Within Q1/2 2020, ADACS will provide the equivalent of a minimum of 1 full-time computational scientist as a resource to the community. A diversely qualified team will participate, with expertise covering a variety of areas including (but not limited to): system analysis and design, scientific computing, high-performance computing, data science, web development, large-scale scientific databases, cloud computing and scientific visualisation.

How does the ADACS SSP work?

The allocation of these resources will be merit-based with the final evaluation to be performed by the Astronomy Data and Computing Services Time Allocation Committee.

To ensure effective proposals, we split the application process into two stages: an expression of interest (EoI) stage where we ask interested parties to submit a one-page (maximum) proposal outlining their scientific objectives, providing the basis of a discussion (to be scheduled following receipt of your EoI) about feasibility, optimal approaches and required resources; and a subsequent round of formal submissions — shaped by our input — to be made to the ADACS TAC.

We ask that EoI submissions be kept brief. (i.e. no more than one page; a couple paragraphs generally suffice) providing a concise description of the proposed project and its goals.

When considering projects for this process, we also ask that you keep the following in mind: all ADACS development will be open-source, and as such, made publicly available.

EoI submission process

Inquiries can be directed to Lewis Lakerink or Jarrod Hurley.

The deadline for EoI submissions is the 4th October, 2019 @ 5pm AEST and should be submitted via email to TAC@adacs.org.au. The subsequent application deadline will be 2 weeks after that, but final proposals will be accepted only from those who participate in the EoI process.

The review of EoI applications will proceed on a first-come-first-served basis and we welcome submissions any time from now until the deadline. Processing will commence immediately upon receipt. We strongly encourage unsuccessful applicants from previous rounds to consider applying for this round.