Commissioning Scientists

A unique opportunity for talented and motivated radio astronomers to play major roles in the scientific commissioning of the SKA-Low Telescope, the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescope.

The Role

As part of the construction of the SKA-Low Telescope, a team of commissioning scientists is required for the planning, execution and analysis of test observations on the array. This recruitment aims to hire the first four of these roles, with the team expected to expand further over the coming 12 months as construction ramps up.

Two distinct sets of skills are required to drive the commissioning programme: organisational and technical. These are not necessarily combined in the same individual. We are therefore offering three types of position:

1. Lead Commissioning Scientist. Manages the commissioning team. Capable of leading the group, planning and documenting tests, and organising interactions with external stakeholders.
2. Senior Commissioning Scientist. Acts as technical lead for the group and mentor to the less experienced members. Must have significant commissioning experience and a deep understanding of radio astronomy and system issues.  Quite likely to prefer secondment.
3. Commissioning Scientist. Less experienced, but with high potential to develop commissioning skills.

We aim to fill four posts, one of which will be the Lead. Depending on the experience of the applicants, one or more of the other posts may be filled at the Senior level. 

The Lead Commissioning Scientist will report to the Head of System Science at SKAO HQ for functional aspects of the role and to the SKA-Low Telescope Director as line manager.

Please indicate on your application whether you would like to be considered for the Lead Commissioning Scientist position.

Appointees to the remaining three positions 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. 

Research and Career Progression:

These are permanent positions, but the duration of the commissioning phase is limited. It is therefore anticipated that the postholders will move to the SKA-Low Science Operations team at the end of construction. Other arrangements (e.g., secondment for the duration of the construction phase) are also feasible and may be the preferred option for some candidates.

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.

These roles are based in Perth, Western Australia, and occasional international and domestic travel will be required, to the SKAO Headquarters in the UK, to the SKAO Engineering Operations Centre in Geraldton, WA, and to the telescope site.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment: we believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work/life balance. 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.

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 will be occasions where these roles require 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.

Informal enquiries may be made to Robert Laing, Head of System Science ([email protected]).