SKA-Mid Senior Operations Scientists

The SKAO Science Operations group is seeking to employ two talented and motivated Operations Scientists to join the SKA-Mid team based at the Science Operations Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.  With the SKA now in construction, planning for the operations of the SKA has entered an exciting phase. In order to support our planning, we are looking for individuals with broad operational and scientific experience within the full range of activities required to run a successful radio observatory. This includes knowledge of the telescope systems, data processing and analysis, as well as experience serving a diverse and distributed user community.

The Operations Scientists will draw on their experience, 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 SKA Observatory. Good organisational, communication and collaborative skills are required for this role. In addition, under a joint agreement between the SKAO and SARAO, the SKA-Mid Science Operations team will work jointly with the SARAO MeerKAT operations team to support MeerKAT science operations and commissioning of the MeerKAT extension, until the MeerKAT telescope is integrated into the SKA. This provides an opportunity to gain additional experience in an active observatory environment.

The roles are offered on a full time, permanent basis and the Operations Scientists will periodically need to work outside of normal office hours when fulfilling the Astronomer on Duty support role.  

The Senior Operations Scientist will ideally become the team leader and line manager for a team of up to four members.

The appointees 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.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where 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.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations, the post holder will:

• Lead and line manage a team of up to 4 operations scientists
• Provide mentorship and guidance
• Support the development and continual refinement of the science operational model for the SKA telescopes
• Ensure consistency between the SKA System Level requirements with those needed for the successful future operation of the SKA telescopes
• Contribute to commissioning and science verification of MeerKAT Extension and SKA-Mid Telescope, including the development of plans, requirements for early array releases and test procedures
• Supporte the development of software needed to operate the SKA Telescopes or necessary for the SKA user community
• Effectively collaborate with SKAO staff across the three sites. Occasional travel to the SKAO telescope sites in Australia and/or South Africa will be necessary (typically once a year for up to 2 weeks)
• Support MeerKAT science operations by serving as Astronomer on Duty on a roster basis, conducting feasibility reviews and providing user support as needed
• Undertake other duties as directed by the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations