Senior Astronomer at SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

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.)