Staff Astronomer

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of staff astronomer to fulfill the research vision of the SAAO.

SAAO is contracted to operate the 10-m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), on behalf of the international SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd, and operates many other 1 to 2-m class telescopes Sutherland to which SAAO researchers have direct access in addition to SALT. Of particular interest for this position are the new facilities PRIME and NIR on SALT.  SAAO astronomers also actively contribute to teaching and student supervision in collaboration with South African universities.

Key Responsibilities:                                       

The primary responsibility of the staff astronomer is to lead and conduct original research in synergy with one or more of the SAAO research focus areas. The ideal candidate would use near-infrared observations — ground-based and from space — as a cornerstone of their research programme, and/or may have experience in development or support of near-infrared instrumentation. The staff astronomer will have a 50-50 split between research (including postgraduate student supervision and/or staff development) and operational duties at the SAAO. These duties may include observing support, instrument support, data and telescope management and/or new instrumentation development.  All astronomers are based in Cape Town, with travel to Sutherland if and when required.

Further details available at https://www.saao.ac.za/opportunities/jobs/

Apply online through NRF Recruitment portal.

The filling of this position will be in line with the NRF's Employment Equity Policy and Plan in the South African context. www.labour.gov.za › Employment Equity › Act - Employment Equity 1998