Senior Researcher

Location: Krugersdorp, Gauteng

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Contract type: Long Term Contract

Closing date: 3 November 2021

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 a Senior Researcher, to join our team based at Hartebeesthoek, Gauteng on a half-time basis (i.e. six months per year). The successful applicant will lead research and supervise post-graduate students in radio astronomy topics that are associated with global VLBI observations and MeerKAT legacy projects. Key responsibilities will be to increase the scientific value derived from VLBI observations that use Hartebeesthoek as a station and to increase South African scientific participation and leadership in these VLBI experiments.

Purpose:

To lead research and supervise post-graduate students in radio astronomy topics that are associated with global VLBI observations and MeerKAT legacy projects. Key responsibilities will be to increase the scientific value derived from VLBI observations that use Hartebeesthoek as a station and to increase South African scientific participation and leadership in these VLBI experiments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting research by observing, analysing and interpreting astronomical phenomena requiring VLBI observations.
• Extracting scientific results from MeerKAT legacy survey data.
• Collaboration with South African university astronomy groups supported by the SARAO Human Capital Development programme.
• Contributing to the ongoing assessment of the VLBI operational and science productivity state of the observatory with a view to its
• enhancement.
• Developing software, operational procedures and documentation related to astronomical applications.
• Testing, commissioning and evaluating equipment used for VLBI observations using Hartebeesthoek and MeerKAT.
• Preparing and publishing 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, and postgraduate student supervision.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field.
• Five years working experience in a research environment in the field of radio astronomy, post PhD.

Experience:

• Experience in radio astronomy observations with at least one radio observatory
• Experience in the technical aspects of radio interferometry, particularly VLBI
• Proven research record associated with the astrophysics of phenomena requiring radio interferometric observations
• Proficiency in radio astronomy data reduction, software and instrumentation, specifically AIPS and CASA
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals in physics or astronomy
• Mentoring of postgraduate students

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with AIPS and CASA data reduction packages
• Modern programming languages and operating systems
• Must have a track record of programming in C/Python/shell scripts and/or other modern languages
• Familiarity with the Linux operating system
• Technical and academic writing methods and techniques

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.