SKA-Mid Commissioning Scientists

This is a unique opportunity for talented and motivated radio astronomers to play major roles in the scientific
commissioning of SKA-Mid, the world's largest mid-frequency radio telescope.

Appointees will take responsibility for specific technical areas, working under the direction of the Lead Commissioning
Scientist, who will act as their functional and line manager.

These roles are based in Cape Town, South Africa.

There will be a requirement for international travel, particularly to the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank. There will
also be a requirement for occasional travel to the SKAO Engineering Operations Centre in Klerefontein, and to the
telescope site.

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. We are open to discussing flexible working
opportunities with these roles being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in
your application.

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.

Research and Career Progression:
These are fixed-term positions, initially for a period of 4 years but with a potential for extension depending on the
SKA-Mid construction schedule. The postholders will have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions in Science
Operations as these become available. Secondment or leave of absence from the postholder's current institution for the
duration of the construction phase may also be possible, subject to negotiation.

The appointees will be encouraged to carry out research in astronomy or astronomical instrumentation at a level
commensurate with the requirements of the post and in particular to exploit early opportunities with the SKA. Appropriate support, including conference travel, will be provided.

Key Responsibilities
The SKAO is seeking to appoint skilled and motivated radio astronomers to plan and execute the scientific
commissioning of the SKA-Mid array. The postholders will join a small group of commissioning astronomers based in
Cape Town, South Africa. The primary tasks of the group are:

• Take responsibility for science commissioning, i.e. planning, execution and analysis of test observations on the array. The group will work closely with the System Science Group based at GHQ (Jodrell Bank), which has oversight of commissioning of both SKA-Mid and SKA-Low.
• Close collaboration with engineering (hardware and software) groups involved in construction to verify aspects of the system and to identify and correct faults. There will be a particularly close interaction with the Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) Group, also based in Cape Town.
• Support the AIV group to verify the top-level engineering requirements of the array.
• Maintain a close interaction with the Science Operations Group, in particular to support Science Verification.

There may also be opportunities to work with SARAO and MPIfR on the commissioning of Extended MeerKAT, which
will eventually be integrated with SKA-Mid.

Senior members of the group are already in post. Currently two additional positions are available, with common
requirements, as follows.

Mandatory Criteria
The appointees will be active radio astronomers with the following qualifications:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in astronomy or physics, with substantial experience in observational radio astronomy.
• A strong understanding of radio astronomical techniques and demonstrated ability to reduce and interpret data from radio telescopes.
• A good understanding of the science enabled by the SKA.
• Experience of working in one or more of the construction, commissioning or operation of a radio observatory.
• Demonstrated experience of working in a small team, contributing constructively to an inclusive and high performing team culture.

Desirable Criteria

• A proven track record in commissioning of radio telescopes (hardware or software), including test, scripting and debugging experience, and a demonstrable ability to analyse complex, system-level problems.
• A background in mid-frequency interferometry and/or non-imaging (beam-forming) applications such as pulsar search and timing.
• Experience of remote working with teams across multiple time zones.
• Proficiency in written documentation, particularly test and problem reporting.