Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 03 December 2024
The National Research Foundation (NRF) (www.nrf.ac.za) 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 South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (www.sarao.ac.za) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
Key Responsibilities: Develop collaborative research programs.Participate in MeerKAT science programs supplying input and feedback to the observatory on scientific questions.Conduct observational and research programs with MeerKAT, HERA, and other South African instruments.Design, develop and deploy scientific analysis software.Design, develop, deploy and publish data reduction software.Process and analyse commissioning data and deliver appropriate reports.Participate in the development of observational tests and techniques.Give technical input and feedback on research programs.Supervise postgraduate students, mentor postdocs and junior staff.Participate in skills transfer and teaching.Participate in public outreach activities.Key Requirements: Qualification: PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field
Experience: Track record of developing new data analysis methods and observational techniquesExperience in radio interferometric data analysis with at least one South African radio observatoryTrack record of publications in peer-reviewed journals in physics or astronomy, particularly technical publications, and/or track record of technical reportsTrack record of scientific programming in Python and/or other modern languagesTechnical and academic writingMentoring of graduate studentsSome experience in one or more areas of observational radio astronomy (e.g. HI, continuum surveys, polarimetry, time domain radio astronomy, 21cm cosmology, etc.)Knowledge: Calibration and imaging techniques, and the applications of these to drive new science with current and future observatories.Radio interferometry fundamentals, calibration and imagingData reduction packagesLinux operating systemsApplications: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment 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: 03 December 2024 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.
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