About the position
Postion Summary: We require a Telescope Operator to support night-time astronomical operations of SALT and to help improve telescope performance, either via software development or through technical work. Key Responsibilities: Minimum Qualification: Minimum Experience: Experience: Knowledge: Additional Notes: DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL, WORK EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES: Strong preference will be given to candidates with proven work experience in Optical or Near-Infrared Astronomy. The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities.
Ability to work on their own and as part of a team.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Interest in PR and outreach, using social media or otherwise, is also an asset.
A willingness to work both day and night shifts.
Proven aptitude to understand complex systems and to communicate clearly and effectively.
Strong motivation and commitment to ensuring SALT produces the best possible results.
Can work efficiently at night, under time pressure.
Real-time problem solving and decision-making skills are essential.
Technical skills to benefit the team as well as a keen interest in Astronomy will be an advantage.
A code EB driver's license will be a strong advantage.
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.
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 are at Sutherland in the semi-arid Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate the 10-m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), 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 and contributing human capacity development for South Africa. Research focus areas include extragalactic astronomy, time domain astrophysics, planetary astronomy and instrumentation development.
