SKA-Low Operations Scientists

The Role

The SKA-Low Operation Scientists will have a unique opportunity to shape the operation of the SKA-Low Telescope through providing domain knowledge and expertise. During construction and early array deployment, they will assist with commissioning, as well as plan and conduct science verification. The Science Operations team will verify the end-to-end science process, including proposal submission, scheduling, execution, data reduction and delivery.

When the telescope will be fully operational, the Operations Scientists will develop new capabilities, respond to new science directions and provide astronomical observing expertise to operations, ensuring the successful delivery of data for the key science objectives of the SKAO.

The Operations Scientists will report to the SKA-Low Head of Science Operations and be part of the global science operations team. They will collaborate with multidisciplinary SKAO colleagues across all sites and interact with the global science community to communicate progress. 

The Operations Scientists will also have the opportunity to maintain an active research career, with up to 25% of their time available for personal research. SKAO also has close contacts with universities in Australia, allowing for co-supervision of students and postdoctoral fellows.

We are looking to appoint up to two Operations Scientists and one Senior Operations Scientist, who will ideally become the team leader and line manager for a team of up to four members. Please specify in your cover letter which position you wish to be considered for.

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.

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

The post holder will:

• Contribute to the commissioning and science verification of array releases, including the development and implementation of test plans and procedures.
• Support the development and continual refinement of the science operational model for the SKAO, including the software needed.
• Provide user support to the scientific community including ensuring the broadest possible accessibility to SKA observing time and data.
• Effectively collaborate with SKAO Science Operations staff across the three sites; occasional international travel to the SKAO sites in the UK and South Africa may be required.
• Optionally undertake a programme of personal research, related to the science undertaken at SKAO, up to 25% of employed hours.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager and senior management.

The Senior Operations Scientist will have the following additional responsibilities:

• Lead and line manage a team of up to 4 operations scientists.
• Provide mentorship and guidance.