SKA-Low Commissioning Scientists

Closing date – 23rd February 2025

The Role

As part of the construction of the SKA-Low Telescope, a growing team of commissioning scientists is presently planning, executing and analysing a suite of test observations on the array. This recruitment aims to expand the established team to facilitate comprehensive science commissioning activities as construction continues to ramp up.

We aim to fill three posts, who will take responsibility for specific technical areas, working under the direction of the Lead Commissioning Scientist, who will act as their functional and line manager.

The appointees will be encouraged to carry out research in astronomy or astronomical instrumentation at a level commensurate with the requirements of the post and in particular to exploit early opportunities with the SKA. Appropriate support, including conference travel, will be provided.

These roles are based in Perth, Western Australia, and occasional international and domestic travel will be required, to the SKAO Headquarters in the UK, to the SKAO Engineering Operations Centre in Geraldton, WA, and to the telescope site.

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. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with these roles being offered on a full-time, part-time basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

There may be occasions where 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.

These are fixed-term positions with a duration of 4 years.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

The SKAO is seeking to appoint experienced and motivated radio astronomers to plan and execute the scientific commissioning of the SKA-Low Telescope array. The postholders will join a small established group of commissioning astronomers based in Perth, WA. The primary tasks of the group are:

• Take responsibility for science commissioning, i.e. planning, execution and analysis of test observations on the array. The group works closely with the System Science Group based at GHQ (UK), which has oversight of commissioning of the SKA-Low Telescope.
• Close collaboration with engineering (hardware and software) groups involved in construction to verify aspects of the system and to identify and correct faults. There will be a particularly close interaction with the Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) Group based in Perth and Geraldton, WA.
• Support the AIV Group to verify the top-level engineering requirements of the array.
• Maintain a close interaction with the Science Operations Group, in particular to support Science Verification.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The appointees will be active radio astronomers with the following qualifications, skills and experience:

• PhD in astronomy or physics, with substantial experience in observational radio astronomy.
• Strong understanding of radio astronomical techniques, including interferometry, and demonstrated ability to reduce and interpret data from radio telescopes.
• A good understanding of the science enabled by the SKA.
• Experience of working effectively in a team, contributing constructively to an inclusive and high performing team culture.

Applicants are encouraged to address each of these points explicitly in their application materials.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of working in one or more of the construction, commissioning or operation of a radio observatory.
• Proven track record in commissioning of radio telescopes (hardware or software), including test, scripting and debugging experience, and ability to analyse complex, system-level problems.
• Background in low-frequency interferometry and/or non-imaging (beam-forming) applications such as pulsar search and timing. Experience in direction-dependent calibration methods would be a particular advantage.
• Experience of remote working with teams across multiple time zones.
• Proficiency in written documentation, particularly test and problem reporting.

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.