Head of Science Operations for SKA-Mid

Big Science Sweden; Cape Town; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.000.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is seeking an experienced radio astronomer to head the SKA-Mid Science Operations. Based at the Science Operations Centre in Cape Town, you will guide operational planning and shape the strategic direction as SKA-Mid moves toward full operations.

You will lead a shared team across SKAO and SARAO, collaborating with UK and Australia partners, and ensure a coherent science program while supporting commissioning and verification activities.

Aufgaben

• Lead the SKA-Mid Science Operations Group and shape the strategic direction of science programs.
• Coordinate with UK and Australia Heads of Science Operations to deliver a coherent plan.
• Oversee day-to-day science operations as the array comes into full operation, including telescope systems and data handling.
• Engage with the international astronomy community, gather feedback, and maintain user liaison.

Jobbeschreibung

A unique opportunity for an experienced radio astronomer with significant Observatory experience to guide the operational planning of the SKA-Mid Telescope and shape the strategic direction of the SKA-Mid Science Operations as we head towards full operations.

The Role

The SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will be based at the Science Operations Centre in Cape Town and will be a core part of the SKA-Mid management team in South Africa, led by the SKA-Mid Telescope Director. They will work collaboratively with the Heads of Science Operations based in the UK and Australia to ensure that the SKAO delivers a coherent, efficient and effective science program.

With the SKAO now in its construction phase, planning for operations has entered an exciting period. Leading the SKA-Mid Science Operations Group, the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will make a significant contribution to refining the strategic direction of the group's activities, consistent with the SKA Observatory Establishment and Delivery Plan and the associated planning and policy development. The SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will also work closely with the SKAO Commissioning team to deliver scientific commissioning and verification of SKA-Mid Telescope. Over time they will be responsible for the day to day science operations as the array is progressively handed over from construction.

SKAO is working in partnership with SARAO for the construction and operation of the SKA-Mid Telescope, and the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will be managing a team of both SKAO and SARAO employees. This role will also interact with the SARAO MeerKAT Science Operations Team providing leadership and the coordination of activities on both telescopes under a joint team.
Up to 25% of time in this role will be available for personal scientific research.

The successful candidate will have the inclusive and collaborative leadership skills needed to successfully build, manage and develop a team of operations scientists, telescope operators and data analysts in conjunction with the Science Operations teams in the UK and Australia. They will also have significant operational and scientific experience within the full range of activities required to run a successful radio observatory. This includes knowledge of the telescope systems, data processing and analysis as well as experience serving a diverse and distributed user community.

The successful candidate will draw on their standing in the international astronomy community and their established networks to be an effective point of contact for the user community, keeping them abreast of developments, gathering feedback and influencing where appropriate.

Due to the locations involved in the SKA project, in particular the UK and Australia, this role will require an ability and willingness to work outside normal hours from time to time. It will also require some domestic travel to the Karoo Site and occasional international travel.

This role will be based at the Cape Town, South Africa.