SKA-Mid Senior 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.

Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.

SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.

For more information on the SKA project visit https://www.skao.int/

The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.

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

Job Location Cape Town, South Africa

The SKAO Science Operations group is seeking to employ a talented and experienced SKA-Mid Senior Operations Scientist to join our team based at the SKAO Science Operations Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. 

With SKA-Mid now in the construction and commissioning phases, planning for the operations of the SKA 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. The successful candidate will have broad operational experience and we are seeking a scientist with substantial 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 have the inclusive and collaborative leadership skills needed to successfully build, manage and develop a small team of operations scientists. Furthermore, the successful applicant will be comfortable balancing strategic planning with operational delivery, working across organisational boundaries, and coordinating activities involving scientific, engineering and software teams.

SKAO is working in partnership with SARAO for the construction and operation of the SKA-Mid Telescope, and this role will also interact with the SARAO MeerKAT Science Operations Team and support the coordination of activities on both telescopes under a joint team.

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

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. It will also require some domestic travel to the Karoo Site and occasional international travel.

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

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Under the direction of the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations, the successful candidate will support the future science operations of the SKAO by:

• Recruit and manage a high performing and inclusive team of operations scientists, ensuring their continual development while motivating and mentoring staff to meet the current and future requirements of the Observatory;

• Provide input into the strategic direction of the SKA-Mid Science Operations team to support the SKAO in the delivery of an efficient and effective science program;

• Collaborate closely with the SARAO Science Operations team;

• In collaboration with the SKAO Head of Science Operations and the Global Science Operations team, contribute to the development and continual refinement of the Mid operations, commissioning and science verification plans, and in defining the requirements for early array releases and test procedures;

• Support the implementation of the SKA-Mid 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 SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The post holder will have:

• A University PhD degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, another closely related and relevant field, or equivalent qualification.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a small team, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture while effectively managing competing priorities, resources and deadlines in a dynamic operational environment.

• 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 acquisition, reduction and analysis of astronomical data.

• An awareness of, and commitment to, equitable practices, including accessibility, to facilitate broad access to the observatory.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Expertise across a breadth of radio astronomy techniques, including one or more of, e.g. spectral line, Very Long Baseline Interferometry, beamforming techniques and/or time domain science (pulsars, fast transients).

• An appreciation and understanding of the science cases motivating the SKA Observatory.

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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