SARChI - Principal Scientist at South African Astronomical Observatory

The SARChI will lead novel research in astronomy at SAAO, developing a comprehensive research programme in optical/near-infrared observational astronomy that makes use of the national multiwavelength facilities such as SALT, other SAAO telescopes, and MeerKAT as well as international opportunities. The research programme should complement other research done at SAAO and enhance international competitiveness, producing high quality research outputs. The SARChI will lead a research group with a number of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to grow and develop local capacity.

Applications are invited for the replacement of a prestigious Research Chair astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa, funded by the South African Research Chair Initiative.

Key Responsibilities:

The SAAO Research Chair should be appointable at Full Professor (Tier 1) level and will be jointly appointed at a South African university. The SARChI should be an established researcher that is a leader in their field and/or internationally recognized for their research contributions. They are expected to lead a research group with a number of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, to grow and develop local capacity. Funding for students and postdocs is available within the SARChI programme. This position replaces the previous incumbent near the start of the second cycle, with approximately 9 years of SARChI funding available.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• PhD in astronomy
• Record of high quality international research commensurate with position and a strong record of student supervision.

Experience:

• Astronomy

Knowledge:

• Student supervision
• International research

Additional Notes:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, full CV, list of publications, statement of research experience and interests, and contact details of 3 references to [Email Address Removed] by 31 MARCH 2025. The nominated candidate will be assisted with the submission of a full research proposal to the NRF in a second stage.

For more information on the SARChI programme, see [URL Removed]. For information on the SAAO, see [URL Removed].

Queries can be directed to [Email Address Removed].

Information:

The website [URL Removed] provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to [URL Removed] and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 22 May 2025

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.

Desired Skills:

• High quality research
• Supervisory Skills

Desired Qualification Level:

• Doctorate

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The SAAO is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs about 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, contributing to science, engineering and technology, and human capital development for South Africa. The majority of the astronomers are based at the Cape Town headquarters. SAAO astronomers supervise several postgraduate students each year registered at universities around the country. We enjoy close links with the nearby University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and Square Kilometre Array Observatory Cape Town office.