Head SALT Astronomy operations at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research
Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes, including the 10m SALT, are at Sutherland in the semi-arid
Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, the SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers. The
SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations and
contributing human capacity development for South Africa. Research focus areas include extragalactic astronomy, time domain
astrophysics, planetary astronomy and instrumentation development.

The SALT Astronomy Operations Manager is based in Cape Town and works within the SAAO staff structure. The position manages a
team of 8 SALT Astronomers (SAs), 3 SALT Operators (SOs) and 3 software engineers.

Manage Astronomy operations for the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT)

Key Responsibilities:

Astronomy Operations Management:

• Performance management of the SALT Astronomy Operations team.
• Oversees the daily, weekly, semester and annual coordination of all astronomy-related activities and ensures that the observing team is ready for night operations.
• Provides scientific advice to SALT Technical Operations.
• Maintains timely communication with the SALT Director, with the Technical Operations manager / team, the SALT Observatory Scientist (SOS) and observers on duty regarding issues that may affect night-time operations.
• Regular monitoring of telescope, operations, proposal and observing metrics and scientific output.
• Evaluates and establishes relevant processes, procedures and ensures that the necessary software tools are available for optimal science operations.
• Maintains an active, responsive and knowledgeable SALT Helpdesk.
• Prepares and manages the bi-annual call for proposals, ensures timely and correct information flow with PIs, assesses technical feasibility and optimises observing programs.
• Assesses Director Discretionary Time (DDT) proposals together with the SAAO and SALT Directors.
• Works together with the relevant teams and the SALT Director to define projects and priorities and ensure adequate resourcing.
• Cultivates an environment that supports personal and organisational growth. Motivates and mentors the team to optimise engagement and productivity by aligning training for career development and addressing skills/scientific gaps in the team.
• Prepares and manages the SALT Astronomy Operations budget with the help of the SALT CFO and the SALT Director.
• Prepares the necessary reports for the SALT Director timeously.
• Ensures compliance with all Health and Safety matters at SALT.

Research:

• Ensures that adequate time is set aside for Astronomy Operations team members to perform their own research, publish papers, lecture and/or supervise students.
• Performs own competitive research and publishes papers.
• Presents own and SALT results at international conferences

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• PhD in Astronomy or related field.

Experience:

• Ten (10) years of experience in a relevant research position.
• Experience with all aspects of people management.
• Optical and/or NIR observational experience.

Knowledge:

• Proven ability to carry out own astronomical research.

Additional Notes:

• Experience in leading a successful Astronomy Operations team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Excellent people management, leadership, interpersonal, and organisational skills, strong decision-making ability.
• Interest in PR and outreach would be an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate within a fast-paced team and perform effectively under tight deadlines, demonstrating a positive, solution-oriented attitude as a team.

Applicants should send a cover letter, a brief statement of a research plan and a copy of their CV to the SAAO Deputy Director:
SALT Director, Dr. Encarni Romero Colmenero ([Email Address Removed]) and to the SAAO HR Manager, Linda Tobin ([Email Address Removed]),
and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to both addresses.

For further information please contact Dr. Romero Colmenero at the above address.

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: 25 April 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:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• leadership skills.
• Strong decision-making ability

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.