SKA-Mid Commissioning Scientists

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver the next generation of radio telescopes. Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. The SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation in 2021.

The two facilities cover different frequency ranges: SKA-Mid (350 – 15400 MHz) will be an array of dish antennas located in South Africa, while SKA-Low (50 – 350 MHz) will use aperture array technology and will be constructed in Australia on Wajarri Yamaji country.

Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in Australia and South Africa. Testing of the first array assembly for SKA-Mid with four dishes is underway. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2030.

SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.

SKA-Mid is being built in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape.

For more information on the SKA project visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

This is a unique opportunity for talented and motivated radio astronomers to play major roles in the scientific commissioning of SKA-Mid, the world’s largest mid-frequency radio telescope.

Appointees will take responsibility for specific technical areas, working under the direction of the Lead Commissioning Scientist, who will act as their functional and line manager.

These roles are based in Cape Town, South Africa.

There will be a requirement for international travel, particularly to the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank. There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to the SKAO Engineering Operations Centre in Klerefontein, and to the telescope site.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with these roles being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

This role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Research and Career Progression
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These are fixed-term positions, initially until the end of October 2030
but with a potential for extension depending on the SKA-Mid construction schedule. The post holders will have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions in Science Operations as these become available. Secondment or leave of absence from the post holder’s current institution for the duration of the construction phase may also be possible, subject to negotiation.

The appointees will be encouraged to carry out research in astronomy or astronomical instrumentation at a level commensurate with the requirements of the post and in particular to exploit early opportunities with the SKA. Appropriate support, including conference travel, will be provided.

The SKAO is seeking to appoint skilled and motivated radio astronomers to plan and execute the scientific commissioning of the SKA-Mid array. The postholders will join a small group of commissioning astronomers based in Cape Town, South Africa. The primary tasks of the group are:

• Take responsibility for science commissioning, i.e. planning, execution and analysis of…