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This role will be based at the Cape Town, South Africa.
At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.
SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.
For more information on the SKA project visit https://www.skao.int/
The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.
A unique opportunity for an experienced radio astronomer with significant Observatory experience to guide the operational planning of the SKA-Mid Telescope and shape the strategic direction of the SKA-Mid Science Operations as we head towards full operations.
The Role
The SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will be based at the Science Operations Centre in Cape Town and will be a core part of the SKA-Mid management team in South Africa, led by the SKA-Mid Telescope Director. They will work collaboratively with the Heads of Science Operations based in the UK and Australia to ensure that the SKAO delivers a coherent, efficient and effective science program.
With the SKAO now in its construction phase, planning for operations has entered an exciting period. Leading the SKA-Mid Science Operations Group, the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will make a significant contribution to refining the strategic direction of the group's activities, consistent with the SKA Observatory Establishment and Delivery Plan and the associated planning and policy development. The SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will also work closely with the SKAO Commissioning team to deliver scientific commissioning and verification of SKA-Mid Telescope. Over time they will be responsible for the day to day science operations as the array is progressively handed over from construction.
SKAO is working in partnership with SARAO for the construction and operation of the SKA-Mid Telescope, and the SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations will be managing a team of both SKAO and SARAO employees. This role will also interact with the SARAO MeerKAT Science Operations Team providing leadership and the coordination of activities on both telescopes under a joint team.
Up to 25% of time in this role will be available for personal scientific research.
This role will be based at the Cape Town, South Africa.
This role may be offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
This role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.