Operations Scientist

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

An ideal role for a radio astronomer with Observatory experience who is keen to contribute to the operational planning and Science Verification of the SKAO.

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

The SKAO Operations group is seeking to employ a talented and motivated Operations Scientist to join our team based in the SKAO Global Headquarters located at Jodrell Bank in the UK. With both SKA-Low and SKA-Mid now in the construction and commissioning phases, planning for operations has entered an exciting phase. In order to support our planning, this role will play a key part in establishing the operational foundation of a world-leading radio astronomy facility. We are seeking a scientist with experience in the operation of astronomical facilities and a strong understanding of radio astronomy instrumentation, data processing and scientific analysis. Equally important is experience supporting a diverse user community and translating scientific requirements into effective operational practices.

The successful candidate will be highly skilled in communication, as well as in collaborative and inclusive work practices. They will draw on their experience and expertise within their established networks and the broader astronomical community to inform the detailed SKAO operational plan and policies. They will also be required to support the planning and execution of scientific commissioning and verification for the SKAO. 

The appointee will be encouraged to carry out research up to 25% of employed hours. Appropriate support, including conference travel, will be provided.

This role will be basedat the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. These roles may be offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

Due to the locations involved in the SKA project, in particular the UK and Australia, this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager. 

Informal enquiries may be made to Shari Breen, SKAO Head of Science Operations (shari.breen@skao.int).

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Under the direction of the SKAO Head of Science Operations, the successful candidate will support the future science operations of the SKAO in the following ways:

• Contribute to the development and continual refinement of the Operations, and Science Verification plans;

• Support the definition of the array assembly requirements and their evolving capabilities, as well as commissioning;

• Support the implementation of Science Verification and Operations plans, as the arrays are handed over from construction to operations;

• Effectively interface with the SKA user community, promote SKAO activities, gather community feedback, influence where appropriate, and facilitate appropriate support through the SKAO Helpdesk and other activities;

• Support the development of software needed to operate the SKA telescopes or necessary for the SKA user community;  

• Effectively collaborate with SKA staff across the three sites (i.e. some travel to the SKAO telescope sites in Australia and/or South Africa will be necessary);

• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders;

• Optionally undertake a programme of personal research up to 25% of employed hours;

• Undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Science Operations.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A University PhD degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, another closely related and relevant field, or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific facility operations and user support, including translating user requirements into effective operational practices. 
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders, including scientists, engineers and external partners, through strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Expertise in radio astronomy techniques including in the efficient acquisition, reduction and analysis of astronomical data.
• An awareness of, and commitment to, inclusive practices, including accessibility, to facilitate broad access to the observatory.
• Experience working with a diverse and globally distributed telescope user community and providing appropriate user support.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Expertise in beam-forming techniques to support the operations of time domain science (pulsars, fast transients) and VLBI 
• An appreciation and understanding of the science cases motivating the SKA Observatory.
• Experience understanding and articulating the needs of a user (e.g. radio astronomer) to inform the development of requirements (e.g. through a series of use cases) and/or operational policies.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

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