Dr Lindsay Magnus, SKA-Mid Telescope Director

He graduated from Rhodes University majoring in Physics with Electronics and Maths, and completed his Honours year in Telecommunications before earning a Master’s degree in Physics. After lecturing at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Border Technikon (now Walter Sisulu University), East London, he took up a position as a Research Physicist at the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO), now part of the South African National Space Agency.

At the HMO, Dr Magnus oversaw the operation of the SuperDARN HF radar project at the South African research station in the Antarctic, giving him a unique perspective on operating scientific research equipment at remote locations. During his time at the HMO he supervised students, managed the Antarctic program, conducted research, and was awarded his PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr Magnus then moved to the SKA South Africa Project and became the Commissioning Team Manager. As it transitioned from a project to an operational facility, and in turn was merged with HartRAO to form the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, Dr Magnus led the formation of the Operations Division, bringing together the Site Operations, Telescope Maintenance and Telescope Operator teams to support, operate and maintain the SARAO radio astronomy and related infrastructure.

Last Updated on August 11, 2024

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