About the position
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the NRF. Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) 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 to human capital development for South Africa. The SAAO, in partnership with SALT, invites applications from suitably qualified individuals for a SALT Senior Electronic Technician to join our Technical Operations Team based in Sutherland. The well experienced successful candidate will support the team with electronic, electrical, as well as electro-optical repairs and maintenance as well as support to projects during design, development, installation, acceptance testing and maintenance. This will entail the incumbent to work, with the team, on the exposed tracker of SALT about 20m off the ground for many of the assigned repairs and maintenance tasks. The tracker payload houses electromechanically actuated ultrasensitive and sophisticated optics of the telescope, making tasks performed on the tracker very delicate. The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately three dozen staff, including astronomers, electronics, optical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers. You may be required to travel abroad to attend international conferences and visit partner institutions, other telescopes, and suppliers. Purpose: Electronic/Electrical Maintenance and Development of the SALT Facility, subsystems and instrumentation. Key Responsibilities: Key Requirements: Qualification: Experience: Knowledge: Additional Notes: DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE: PERSONAL QUALITIES: 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. The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only
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.
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.
Desired Skills:
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Responsible
- accountable
Desired Qualification Level:
- Diploma
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.