Deputy Director â Radio Astronomy Operations (SKA-Mid)

EQ Plus; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization in Cape Town is seeking a Deputy Director to oversee operations for the SKA-Mid telescope. This role involves managing technical teams and ensuring operational readiness for one of the world’s most advanced radio telescopes. The ideal candidate has a Master's, extensive experience in technical operations management, and a background in astronomy or engineering. Join this unique opportunity to contribute to a pivotal scientific project within the African continent.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in technical operations management.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role with collaborative project experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Telescope Director in planning and executing SKA-Mid operations.
• Manage and coordinate Engineering Operations, Computing & Software, and Science Operations teams.
• Provide strategic oversight of the SKA-Mid Collaboration Team.

Skills

Leadership in multidisciplinary teams

Technical operations management

Strategic oversight

Education

Master's in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related field

PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related field

Job description

SUMMARY :

A senior leadership opportunity exists for an accomplished professional to support the operations and commissioning of one of the world’s most advanced radio telescopes : SKA-Mid. This role is ideal for a candidate with deep domain expertise in radio astronomy, physics, or radio-frequency engineering, and proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams in complex scientific environments.

POSITION INFO :

As Deputy Director, you will work closely with the SKA-Mid Telescope Director to oversee the telescope’s operational readiness, lead core technical teams, and represent the telescope’s interests in national and international collaborations. You will also manage the local SKA-Mid Collaboration Team, contributing to construction support, science operations, systems, and computing infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities (amongst others)

• Support the Telescope Director in planning and executing SKA-Mid operations, including commissioning and science readiness.
• Manage and coordinate Engineering Operations, Computing & Software, and Science Operations teams.
• Provide strategic oversight and line management of the SKA-Mid Collaboration Team working under the Bilateral Collaboration Agreement.
• Contribute to telescope-wide decision-making and represent the telescope in global operational forums.
• Serve as a member of the Executive team, contributing to institutional leadership and strategic direction.

Minimum Requirements

Key Requirements :

Qualification(s) required : Master's in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field, or a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field related to telescope operations.Desirable Qualification : PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or a related field.

Experience Required :

A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in technical operations management, with a significant focus on strategic partnerships or joint ventures.

At least 5 years in a senior management role, preferably with experience in managing cross-organizational or collaborative projects.

Desirable Experience :

Experience in the operations of large-scale scientific facilities

Experience in the transition from construction to operations

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in a globally significant scientific project and help shape the future of radio astronomy operations on the African continent.

NB : Kindly note that only candidates with the required qualifications and experience listed will be considered.