Postdoc: ML/AI for Observatory Operations (Radio Astronomy)

SKA Observatory; Jodrell Bank; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave and publichols

Pension scheme

Relocation visa support

Job summary

SKA Observatory, based at the Global Headquarters in the UK (Jodrell Bank), seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore ML/AI techniques for efficient observatory operations. The role supports planning for SKA-Low and SKA-Mid during construction and commissioning phases.

The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists, engineers and software developers to turn operational needs into testable ML/AI solutions, with potential for up to 25% of employed hours for personal research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science or closely related field, or equivalent.
• Expertise in radio astronomy with ML/AI tools, or ML/AI techniques for the physical sciences.
• Ability to communicate technical work clearly to scientists, engineers and non-specialists.
• Ability to work independently and in distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritise opportunities where ML/AI can improve observatory operations.
• Develop, train, test and validate ML/AI models using real/archival data.
• Evaluate performance, robustness and reproducibility of ML/AI approaches.
• Collaborate with software/engineering teams to integrate ML/AI tools into operational software/workflows.
• Contribute to development and refinement of Operations workflows relating to ML/AI.
• Document methods, results and recommendations for continuity and scalability.
• Communicate results to SKA staff and wider community; present at meetings.
• Optionally pursue a personal research programme up to 25% of hours.
• Undertake any other duties as directed.

Skills

ML/AI in physical sciences

Radio astronomy techniques

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

PhD or near submission in Astronomy/Physics/CS/Data Science

Tools

ML/AI tools

Software engineering practices

Job description

SKA Observatory, based at the Global Headquarters in the UK (Jodrell Bank), seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore ML/AI techniques for efficient observatory operations. The role supports planning for SKA-Low and SKA-Mid during construction and commissioning phases.

The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists, engineers and software developers to turn operational needs into testable ML/AI solutions, with potential for up to 25% of employed hours for personal research.