Postdoc: ML/AI for Global Radio Observatory Ops

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Conference travel

Flexible working hours

Inclusive environment

Job summary

SKA Observatory in Cheshire, UK seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance ML/AI methods for operational science. You will prototype ML/AI solutions for observation scheduling, data quality, anomaly detection, and user support, within a globally distributed team.

The role requires a PhD (or near submission) in relevant fields and strong communication skills. It is a one-year fixed-term position based at Jodrell Bank, offering flexible hours and relocation support.

Qualifications

• A University PhD degree (or close to submission) in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science or another closely related field, or equivalent qualification.
• Either (a) expertise in radio astronomy techniques together with practical experience of applying ML/AI tools, or (b) demonstrated expertise in implementing ML/AI techniques to solve problems in the physical sciences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical work clearly, in writing and verbally, to audiences that include scientists, engineers and non-specialists.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a globally distributed team.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritise opportunities where ML/AI techniques can improve the efficiency, reliability and quality of SKAO observatory operations.
• Develop, train, test and validate ML/AI models and prototypes using commissioning, simulated and archival radio astronomy data.
• Evaluate the performance, robustness and limitations of ML/AI approaches against operational requirements, including explainability and reproducibility.
• Work with software and engineering teams to understand how ML/AI tools could be integrated into SKAO operational software and workflows.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the Operations workflows where it relates to the use of ML/AI.
• Document methods, results and recommendations clearly so that the work can be continued and built upon.
• Effectively collaborate with SKA staff across the three sites.
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders, and present results at internal meetings and to the wider community.
• Optionally undertake a programme of personal research up to 25% of employed hours.
• Undertake any other duties as directed.

Skills

Effective communication

Independent & collaborative work

Cross-site collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Physics/CS/Data Science or related

Tools

ML/AI tools

Software engineering practices

Version control

Model deployment

Job description

SKA Observatory in Cheshire, UK seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance ML/AI methods for operational science. You will prototype ML/AI solutions for observation scheduling, data quality, anomaly detection, and user support, within a globally distributed team.

The role requires a PhD (or near submission) in relevant fields and strong communication skills. It is a one-year fixed-term position based at Jodrell Bank, offering flexible hours and relocation support.