Pioneering Commissioning Scientist, SKA-Mid — Cape Town

SKA Observatory; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The SKAO invites talented radio astronomers to join the scientific commissioning of SKA-Mid from Cape Town, South Africa. Appointees will work under the Lead Commissioning Scientist, contributing to test observations and system verification. These are fixed-term positions initially until the end of October 2030, with potential extensions.

Travel to Jodrell Bank and on-site work in Karoo may be required. Roles may be full-time, part-time or job-share, with flexible hours.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or physics required.
• Substantial experience in observational radio astronomy.
• Ability to analyse complex, system-level problems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute scientific commissioning of the SKA-Mid array.
• Collaborate with engineering groups to verify system aspects and diagnose faults.
• Support top-level engineering requirements and ensure successful commissioning.
• Maintain interaction with Science Operations Group to support verification.

Skills

Observational radio astronomy

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in astronomy or physics

Job description

The SKAO invites talented radio astronomers to join the scientific commissioning of SKA-Mid from Cape Town, South Africa. Appointees will work under the Lead Commissioning Scientist, contributing to test observations and system verification. These are fixed-term positions initially until the end of October 2030, with potential extensions.

Travel to Jodrell Bank and on-site work in Karoo may be required. Roles may be full-time, part-time or job-share, with flexible hours.