Postdoctoral Researcher

NRF / SARAO

Work location: Krugersdorp, Gauteng

Period of contract: 5 years

Type of employment: Long term contract

Job level: Junior

Closing date: 8 February 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 and geodesy 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.

SARAO has a vacancy for Postdoctoral Researcher, to join our team based at Hartebeesthoek, Gauteng. The successful applicant will conduct research by observing, analysing and interpreting astronomical phenomena and developing simulations, numerical and/or statistical methods, models and techniques to extend knowledge.

Purpose: To conduct research in specific domains of observational radio astronomy. To participate in the development of new radio astronomy techniques and to apply these to science with SARAO radio telescopes and other observatories.

Key Responsibilities:

  • 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
  • Assisting in teaching the theory and practice of astrophysics and radio astronomy at different educational levels
  • Post-graduate student co-supervision

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

  • PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field

Experience:

  • Experience in reduction and analysis of radio astronomy data
  • One or more publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals in physics or astronomy
  • Some experience with modern data reduction packages
  • Communicate complex information clearly

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of radio astronomy reduction software
  • Ability to program in C/Python/shell script
  • Familiarity with the Linux operating system

Additional notes:

  • An interest in the development of new calibration, analysis and imaging techniques
  • Creative in approaches to relevant models, techniques and methods, and able to develop new ones
  • High level analytical capability
  • Work independently and as part of a team

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.

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