Manager: Telescope Operations

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Job Level: Management

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 20 April 2022

About the position:

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.

The purpose of this position is to manage a team of Telescope Operators who are responsible to ensure that science observations produce valid and quality science data, managing the failure reporting system and processes, and interfacing with both engineering and maintenance staff to correct system failures in order to maximize the efficiency of the radio telescope.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing a team of Telescope Operators responsible for observations and the collection science data
• Managing budget and financial performance of the department
• Reporting of activities and the performance of the telescope operations in various meetings
• Ensuring that telescope operations meets annual targets set by management
• Liaising with Engineering and Maintenance teams on their requirements for the telescope maintenance and bug fixes activities
• Determining on the prioritization of the observations schedule versus telescope maintenance
• Creating and implementing telescope standard operating procedures and training manuals
• Coordinating telescope activities with commissioning scientists to improve system efficiency
• Utilizing radio astronomy to promote public outreach and education
• Training of new Telescope Operators

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree (Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, or Software Engineering) OR
• Bachelor’ degree (Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or Computer Science)

Experience:

• Ten (10) years working experience working in astronomy Observatory or a similar operational Facility of which 3 years should be in a managerial capacity
• Managing staff
• Development of operating procedures and user training manuals
• Operating an interferometer radio telescope (Advantageous)
• Developing software observational tools to enhance Operations (Advantageous)

Knowledge:

• Budgeting and financial management procedures.
• Fault tracking and reporting system
• Health & Safety and RFI compliance requirements
• Quality assurance of science data
• Acceptance, Verification and Integration process
• Project management and project management tools
• Performance management process

Additional Notes:

• Excellent technical problem-solving skills
• Ability to persuade, motivate and lead others
• Ability to communicate clearly on technical issues to non-specialist and senior level audiences.
• High level planning and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to partner with cross-functional support teams in improving the efficiency of the telescope system
• Ensure operational activities remain on time and within a defined space of time
• Ability to contribute to the strategic objective of the division
• Driving to other sites when required.
• Good verbal communication skills

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.