Instrumentation Scientist

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science.

The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (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 South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Instrumentation Scientist to work independently within the field of astronomical instrumentation, formulating and conceptualising research projects and producing innovative, high quality research outputs in line with the mandate of the SAAO.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and drive the research and development of fibre technologies in astronomical instrumentation at SAAO
• Conducting personal research, using SALT and other SAAO facilities
• Student supervision
• Active participation in the scientific and functional life of the Observatory.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

PhD in astronomy or related field

Experience:

• 3 years postdoctoral experience in astronomical instrumentation
• Experience optical design and design package (preferably Zemax)
• Experience with astronomical data reduction and analysis
• An excellent publication record, commensurate with career stage, in either astrophysics or astronomical instrumentation or both

Knowledge:

• Fibre-optics and fibre integral field units (IFUs)
• Knowledge of spectrograph design.
• Knowledge of Astronomical detector systems

Additional Notes:

ABILITY:

• Consult other scientists regarding innovations
• Contribute to developing theories on the basis of observation and experiments
• Use lasers, telescopes & other equipment
• Use astronomical telescopes and instrumentsDevelop astronomical software
• Reduce and analyse astronomical data

DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Experience in student supervision or mentoring
• Experience in fibre-optics and fibre integral field units (IFUs).
• Experience with mechanical design of fine mechanics and components using CAD
• Project management experience
• Experience with analysis of integral-field spectroscopic data would be beneficial.

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.