Deputy Director – Radio Astronomy Operations (SKA-Mid)

EQplus; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global scientific organization is seeking a Deputy Director in Cape Town to oversee the operational readiness of the SKA-Mid Telescope. You will manage technical teams and contribute to strategic decisions in a significant scientific project. Candidates should have a Master's degree in relevant fields and at least 10 years of experience in operations management, along with strong leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required, PhD desirable.
• 10+ years in technical operations management.
• 5+ years in a senior management role.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and executing SKA-Mid operations.
• Manage Engineering Operations and Science Operations teams.
• Provide strategic oversight of the SKA-Mid Collaboration Team.

Skills

Technical operations management

Strategic partnerships

Cross-organizational project management

Education

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

PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related field

Job description

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, engineering 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 aMaster’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.