Vacant Positions – SKA Mid – Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator x2

Job Title: SKA Mid – Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator

Contract Type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 11 January 2026

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Overview

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator to join the science operations team for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). This role is critical during the SKA construction phase and will transition into the day-to-day operations of the telescope, including 24/7 shift work.

The successful candidate will lead a team of 4-5 data analysts/operators, develop operational procedures, and ensure the quality of telescope data.

Description

The National Research Foundation (NRF) (wwww.nrf.ac.za) 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) (www.sarao.ac.za) 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 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 Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.

The Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator will be part of the science operations team and will lead a team of 4-5 data analysts/operators to support SKA-Mid science operations and development activities during the construction phase. The Senior Data Analyst/Telescope Operator will be responsible for the development of operator procedures and documentation, and for the mentoring and training of the Data Analyst/Telescope Operators under their supervision. Once construction is complete the team will be responsible for the day-to-day observing of the SKAO Telescope and provide analysis of the initial telescope data for quality assessment and science verification. Observing during this phase is expected to be 24/7 with the team working shift patterns.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the performance of the data analyst/telescope operator team.

• Design and document operating procedures for the SKAO.

• Conduct, monitor, and calibrate astronomical observations.

• Assume responsibility for data quality assurance.

• Facilitate communication between engineering, technical staff, and scientific stakeholders.

• Mentor and train team members.

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Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

• Option 1: MSc in Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Computing, or a related field, plus 4 years of relevant experience.

• Option 2: BSc (Hons) in a related field, plus 5 years of relevant experience.

• Option 3: Undergraduate degree in a related field, plus 6 years of relevant experience.

• Proven experience in leading a team.

• Experience in controlling and operating a scientific research instrument, including scheduling.

• Experience in developing operational procedures, monitoring dashboards, and documentation.

• Strong background in data analysis.

Knowledge:

• Principles of radio astronomy and interferometric calibration.

• Radio astronomy reduction software.

• Control and monitoring systems.

• Scientific computing.

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Domain knowledge in radio astronomy observations and data reduction pipelines.

• High-level analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Aptitude for developing operational procedures and documentation.

• Proficiency in scientific computing (Python, C, or C++ in a Linux environment).

• Strong leadership and resource management skills.

• Sound judgement and problem-solving abilities in ambiguous situations.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

• Must be able to work day/night shifts on a 24/7 rotational basis, including weekends and public holidays.

Desirable Skills:

• Ability to work under pressure in time-sensitive environments.

• Familiarity with SAFE or Agile code development practices.

• Strong independent work ethic within a multidisciplinary team.

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Organisational Values

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and instil the values of both SARAO and the SKAO.

SKAO Values:

1. Diversity and Inclusion

2. Excellence

3. Collaboration

4. Creativity and Innovation

5. Sustainability

SARAO Values:

1. Passion for Excellence

2. World-class Service

3. People-centered

4. Respect

5. Integrity and Ethics

6. Accountability

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Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the NRF recruitment portal:
https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment

Please submit:

• A comprehensive CV.

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability for the position.

• The names and contact details of at least three referees.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.

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Additional Information

• The NRF offers a challenging career and a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress.

• The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

For more information on the NRF, please visit: www.nrf.ac.za