Postion Summary:
The data analyst/ telescope operator is part of the science operations team. During construction the team will support the Commissioning team and Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) team. The team will also be expected to provide input and feedback to the software development teams regarding operations and science processing user interfaces. Observing during this phase is expected to be outside of traditional working hours. The team will be expected to contribute to both the designing and documenting of operating procedures for SKAO. Once construction is complete the team will be responsible for the day-to-day observing of the SKA-Mid Telescope and provide analysis of the initial telescope data for quality assurance and science verification. Observing during this phase is expected to be 24/7 with the team working shift patterns.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the designing and documenting of operating procedures for SKAOConduct, monitor and calibrate astronomical observations and use appropriate computing resources towards successful operation of the telescope arrayUndertake quality assurance of dataSupport communication between engineering and technical staff and scientific stakeholders
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- 2-3 years
- MSc in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with a minimum of 2 years relevant experienceORBSc (Hons) in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 3 years relevant experience
Experience:
- MSc in physics, astronomy or related discipline coupled with 2 years experience in technical or scientific environment
- BSc (Hons) in physics, astronomy or related discipline, coupled with 3 years experience in technical or scientific environment
Knowledge:
- Awareness of radio astronomy principles and interferometric calibrationAstronomical reduction softwareControl and monitoring systemsScientific computing in Python
Additional Notes:
Related Skills:Linux operating systemsControl and monitoring softwareTechnical report writingData analysisCompetency Requirements:Extreme Importance (Essential):Domain knowledge: Experience in astronomy observations and data reduction pipelinesHigh level analytical capability: Demonstrated problem-solving abilityTeamwork and collaboration: Cooperates with others to achieve organisational objectives and may share team resources to do this. Collaborates with other teamsCommunication: Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in [URL Removed] Aptitude to contribute to the definition and development of operational procedures, monitoring dashboards and documentation. Rigor in maintaining reports and [URL Removed] computing: Understanding of software development and data analysis using Python, C or C++ in Linux environmentEquity, diversity and inclusivity: An awareness of, and commitment to, equitable practices, including accessibility, to facilitate broad access to the ObservatoryMust be able to work on a 24/7 rotational basis including weekends and public [URL Removed] Importance (Desirable):Aptitude to control and operate a scientific research facility including familiarity with monitoring, controlling, and schedulingDemonstrated ability to work and cope under pressure in time sensitive environments with multiple prioritiesAbility to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary [URL Removed] with SAFe or Agile code development practicesExperience working with scientific instruments, where the experience may include scheduling experiments/ observations,Designing interfaces and user modules for operating the instrumentAnalysing instrument data for calibration and data quality purposesDay-to-day health checks and status of the [URL Removed] ValuesThe SKA-Mid Data Analyst will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instill those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South [URL Removed] values are:1. Diversity and Inclusion2. Excellence3. Collaboration4. Creativity and Innovation5. SustainabilitySARAO’s values are:1. Passion for Excellence2. World-class service3. People-centred4. Respect5. Integrity and Ethics6. AccountabilityBoth SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. 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.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
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.