Postdoctoral researcher in Science Operations

Big Science Sweden; England; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

SKAO Science Operations group seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team at the SKAO Global Headquarters in Jodrell Bank, UK. This fixed-term role for 1 year focuses on applying ML/AI to enhance observatory operations, including scheduling, data quality monitoring, and anomaly detection.

The successful candidate collaborates with scientists, engineers and software developers to turn needs into well-defined ML/AI solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in radio astronomy with ML/AI experience or PhD in computer science with ML/AI work in physical sciences.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML/AI solutions for observatory operations (scheduling, data quality monitoring, anomaly detection).
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and software developers to translate needs into testable solutions.
• Travel and conference support may be provided; research up to 25% of hours.

Skills

ML/AI techniques

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in radio astronomy

PhD in computer science

Tools

ML/AI tools

Job description

Postdoctoral researcher in Science Operations

Datum: 2 november, 2026 Tid: 11:59

Placering: SKAO

Mer information

The SKAO Science Operations group is seeking to employ a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team based in the SKAO Global Headquarters located at Jodrell Bank in the UK. This is a fixed-term position for 1 year.

With both SKA-Low and SKA-Mid now in the construction and commissioning phases, planning for operations has entered an exciting phase. Modern radio telescopes generate data volumes and operational complexity on a scale that makes machine learning and artificial intelligence increasingly attractive tools. This role will explore, prototype, and evaluate ML/AI techniques to support efficient, reliable observatory operations in areas such as observation scheduling, telescope and data quality monitoring, anomaly and RFI detection, and support for our user community.

The successful candidate will be highly skilled in communication, as well as in collaborative and inclusive work practices. They will work closely with scientists, engineers and software developers to turn operational needs into well-defined, testable ML/AI solutions. To facilitate this we are seeking a researcher with either a PhD in radio astronomy and practical experience with ML/AI tools, or a PhD in computer science or equivalent fields with demonstrated expertise in implementing ML/AI techniques for the physical sciences. PhD candidates nearing submission will also be considered.

The appointee will be encouraged to carry out research up to 25% of employed hours. Appropriate support, including conference travel, will be provided.

This is a one-year fixed term position and is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. This role may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

Due to the locations involved in the SKA project, in particular the UK and Australia, this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.