Staff Astronomer at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
Conduct research in specific domains of observational radio astronomy, with an emphasis on algorithmic techniques and software technologies. Participate in the development of new radio astronomy techniques, and to apply these to science with MeerKAT and other observatories, with a particular emphasis on contribution to MeerKAT science operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop collaborative research programs, applying for observation time
• Participate in MeerKat Science programs supplying input and feedback to the observatory on scientific questionsDesign, develop and deploy scientific analysis software
• Design, develop, deploy 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 teachingParticipate in public outreach activities

Minimum Qualification:

• Doctoral Degree / NQF 10

Minimum Experience:

• 0-1 years

• 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 systems

The 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) 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) 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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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.