Education

Senior Astronomer

SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory·Western Cape, south-africa·Full Time·Internship
EducationFull TimeInternship
-Closes Nov 13, 2026

Closes: November 5, 2026

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research by observing, analysing and interpreting astronomical phenomena and developing methods, numerical models and techniques to extend knowledge
  • Evaluating results of investigations and experiments and expressing conclusions, mainly using mathematical techniques and models
  • Developing software, operational procedures and documentation by applying the principles and techniques of physics or astronomy in practice
  • Testing, commissioning and evaluating equipment used in radio astronomy by applying principles, techniques and processes to develop or improve the telescope system
  • Preparing scientific papers and reports
  • Teaching the theory and practice of astrophysics and radio astronomy at different educational levels.
  • Mentoring and training of junior staff members, graduate student supervision
  • Coordinating inputs from external and internal stakeholders to develop and execute commissioning and science verification plans.
  • Support observatory science operations needs.
  • Facilitating regular feedback amongst team members, and coordinating their work
  • Creating and coordinating scientific and technical working groups

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

  • PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field
  • 8 years working in a research environment in the field of Radio Astronomy, post PhD

Experience:

  • Extensive experience in radio observations with at least two major observatories.
  • Extensive track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals in physics or astronomy
  • Track record of productive international collaborations.
  • Extensive expertise with radio data reduction, software and instrumentation.
  • Proficiency with modern data reduction packages.
  • Technical and academic writing

Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with the Linux operating system.
  • Mentoring of several young scientists and graduate students.
  • Domain expertise in one or more areas of observational radio astronomy (e.g. HI, continuum surveys, polarimetry, VLBI, single dish, time domain radio astronomy, etc.)

Key skills

Ph.D

At a glance

Company

SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Location

Western Cape, south-africa

Employment

Full Time

Experience

Valid until

November 13, 2026

Created

October 30, 2026