Data Scientist

Job level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 30 June 2022

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

To conduct research and development of novel radio interferometric calibration and imaging techniques & algorithms; to implement these techniques in software and incorporate them into data reduction pipelines; to apply these to science with MeerKAT and other observatories.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing methods, algorithms, numerical models and techniques for radio interferometric data processing
• Evaluating the results of investigations and experiments and expressing conclusions
• Designing and developing software, operational procedures and documentation by applying the techniques in practice
• Preparing scientific papers and reports
• Maintaining scientific software and/or HPC environments
• Teaching the theory and practice of radio interferometry at different educational levels.
• Mentoring and training of junior staff members, graduate student supervision
• Participating in scientific and technical working groups

Key requirements:
Qualification:

• BHon/MSc/PhD in astronomy, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field

Experience:

• Five years’ experience working in a research and/or High Performance Computing (HPC) environment if Honours degree
• Three years’ experience working in a research and/or HPC environment if Masters degree

Knowledge:

• and understanding of radio interferometric theory and practice
• and understanding of signal processing
• and understanding of optimization theory
• and understanding of applied mathematics
• and understanding of Bayesian statistics and inference techniques
• desirable: HPC environments and Linux system administration
• Linux operating system
• programming in Python and/or other modern languages

Additional notes:

• Experience working in postgraduate research and/or HPC environment
• Experience with collaborative tools and workflows such as github
• Track record of successful collaborative work
• Technical and academic writing
• Desirable: HPC and/or Linux system management and administration
• Provide a proven track record of scientific software development in Python
• Display scientific writing skills
• Thrive in a diverse team and interface with local and international scientists

Information:

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.