Senior Astronomer
SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory · Cape Town, Western Cape
Posted 30 October 2026
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research by observing, analysing and interpreting astronomical phenomena and developing methods, numerical models and techniques to extend knowledge
- 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
- Teaching the theory and practice of astrophysics and radio astronomy at different educational levels.
- Mentoring and training of junior staff members, graduate student supervision
- Coordinating inputs from external and internal stakeholders to develop and execute commissioning and science verification plans.
- Support observatory science operations needs.
- Facilitating regular feedback amongst team members, and coordinating their work
- Creating and coordinating scientific and technical working groups
Key Requirements
Qualification
- PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field
- 8 years working in a research environment in the field of Radio Astronomy, post PhD
Experience
- Extensive experience in radio observations with at least two major observatories.
- Extensive track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals in physics or astronomy
- Track record of productive international collaborations.
- Extensive expertise with radio data reduction, software and instrumentation.
- Proficiency with modern data reduction packages.
- Technical and academic writing
Knowledge
- Familiarity with the Linux operating system.
- Mentoring of several young scientists and graduate students.
- Domain expertise in one or more areas of observational radio astronomy (e.g. HI, continuum surveys, polarimetry, VLBI, single dish, time domain radio astronomy, etc.)