Senior Astronomer
National Research Foundation
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) 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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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.
Position: Senior Astronomer
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
The purpose of the role is: To lead research in specific domains of observational radio astronomy; to develop new radio astronomy techniques, and to apply these to drive new science with MeerKAT and other observatories; to support MeerKAT science commissioning and operations
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
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, Skills and Abilities:
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.)
Closing Date: Thursday, 05 Nov 2026
The 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.
