SKA Mid - Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator will be part of the science operations team and will lead a team of 4-5 data analysts/operators to support SKA-Mid science operations and development activities during the construction phase. The Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator will be responsible for the development of operator procedures and documentation, and for the mentoring and training of the Data Analyst/Telescope Operators under their supervision. Once construction is complete the team will be responsible for the day-to-day observing of the SKAO Telescope and provide analysis of the initial telescope data for quality assessment and science verification. Observing during this phase is expected to be 24/7 with the team working shift patterns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage performance of data analyst/ Telescope operator teamPlay a leading role in the designing and documenting of operating procedures for SKAOConduct, monitor and calibrate astronomical observations and use appropriate computing resources towards successful operation of the telescope arrayAssume responsibility for quality assurance of data and ensure timeous completion of QA tasks by teamEnable communication between engineering and technical staff and scientific stakeholders

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 4-6 years

• MSc in physics, astronomy, engineering, computing or related discipline, coupled with 4 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment; ORBSc (Hons) in physics, astronomy, engineering, computing or related discipline, coupled with 5 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment
• ; ORUndergraduate degree in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 6 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment

Experience:

• MSc in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 4 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment; ORBSc (Hons) in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 5 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment; ORUndergraduate degree in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 6 years’ experience in a technical or scientific environment
• Experience in leading a teamExperience in controlling and operating a scientific research instrument including schedulingExperience in developing of operational procedures, monitoring dashboards and documentationData analysis

Knowledge:

• Principles of radio astronomy and interferometric calibrationRadio astronomy reduction softwareControl and monitoring systemsScientific computing

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/Competencies Related Skills:• Knowledge of, or experience using control and monitoring software• Technical report writing• Understanding of knowledge management Extreme Importance (Essential): • Domain knowledge: Experience in radio astronomy observations and data reduction pipelines• High level analytical capability: Demonstrated problem-solving ability• Teamwork and collaboration: Cooperates with others to achieve organisational objectives and may share team resources to do this• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English. • Documentation: Aptitude to contribute to the definition and development of operational procedures, monitoring dashboards and documentation. Rigor in maintaining reports and documentation.• Scientific computing: Understanding of software development and data analysis using Python, C or C++ in Linux environment• Resource Management/Leadership: Provides leadership that fosters an environment that encourages new ideas and provides support for the development of emerging skills. Creates trust by displaying consistency, understanding, integrity and patience and plans, seeks, allocates and monitors resources to achieve outcomes.• Judgement and Problem Solving: Anticipates and manages problems in ambiguous situations. Develops and selects an appropriate course of action and provides for contingencies. Evaluates, interprets and integrates complex bodies of information and draws logical conclusions, synthesises proposals and defends options with reasoned arguments.• Equity, diversity and inclusivity: An awareness of, and commitment to, equitable practices, including accessibility, to facilitate broad access to the Observatory• Must be able to work day/ night shifts on a 24-hours rotational basis, including weekends and public holidays. Desirable: • Demonstrated ability to work and cope under pressure in time sensitive environments with multiple priorities• Familiarity with SAFE or Agile code development practices• Strong leadership qualities• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team. Additional Notes: Organisational ValuesThe SKA-Mid Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instil those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South [URL Removed] values are:1. Diversity and Inclusion 2. Excellence3. Collaboration4. Creativity and Innovation5. SustainabilitySARAO’s values are:1. Passion for Excellence2. World-class service3. People-centered4. Respect5. Integrity and Ethics6. AccountabilityBoth SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities 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 applicant·s 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) (wwww.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. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.