Telescope Operator

(Positions will become available)

Applications are invited to fill the position for a Radio Telescope Operator. The successful candidates will work closely with other Operators and astronomers as well as interacting with engineers, software developers and technicians to commission and operate the 7-dish radio telescope prototype and 64 dish Karoo Array Telescopes (KAT-7 and MeerKAT). Up to 50% of the time will be spent at the Karoo Telescope Site (an isolated location 90 km from the town of Carnarvon in the Northern Cape). The remaining time will be spent at the Cape Town Engineering and Operations office, located in Pinelands.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Work within a team of scientific and technically minded individuals.
• Operate the system.
• Document daily operations (logs and problem reports).
• Document troubleshooting procedures.
• Communicate with Astronomers, Engineers and Software developers.
• Constantly adapt to new and changing environments.
• Be creative, resourceful and independent.

Because the position is multi-disciplinary, the candidate must:

• Be proficient with computers, know or be willing to learn Linux and Python software scripting language.
• Have a basic technical understanding of electronics (RF knowledge beneficial).
• Be willing to learn astronomy and other skills that are required.
• Be able to troubleshoot hardware problems alone and in teams.

English is the primary language spoken at work, thus, the candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Candidates must have a Bachelors degree, Hons or Masters. (B.Tech / BSc in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or related subjects). Practical experience in industry or experience in an operations facility or other astronomical observatory would be a plus.

Applications must include a description of the candidate's education and work experience, any software or instrumentation experience, and the contact details of three individuals who have agreed to provide letters of reference. Qualified candidates should submit their applications to the Operator Supervisor, Rupert Spann (r.spann at ska. ac. za). (Acknowledgement of applications will happen once a month)

The South African Square Kilometer Array Project Office (SASPO) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) reserve the right not to make an appointment to these positions.