SALT Astronomer

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Archive Date: 
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Small Academic
Institution/Company: 
National Research Foundation - South African Astronomical Observatory
Department Name: 
SALT Astronomy Operations
Street Line 1: 
Observatory Road
Street Line 2: 
Observatory
City: 
Cape Town
State/Province: 
Western Cape
Zip/Postal: 
7935
Country: 
South Africa
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

SALT Astronomer

 

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), on behalf of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Foundation, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of SALT Astronomer.

The SAAO is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in picturesque Cape Town with a Mediterranean climate, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the semi-arid Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs about 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate the 10-m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, contributing to SET human capital development for South Africa. Research focus areas include extragalactic astronomy, time domain astrophysics, planetary astronomy and instrumentation development.

 

Responsibilities:​

SALT Astronomers (SAs) are based in Cape Town. The main responsibilities for this position will be to ensure the data reduction pipelines are operating correctly, to provide user data reduction support and to upgrade and/or develop new software tools, as needed. They will also be expected to conduct service observing about 2-4 weeks per year on the queue-scheduled SALT. Some personal research time and resources, using SALT and other SAAO facilities, will also be available.  SALT astronomers work within the SAAO science staff structure. Student supervision and lecturing are also encouraged.

 

Minimum requirements:

• PhD in Astronomy or related field.

• 4 years of experience in optical or IR observational astronomy and relevant data reduction.

• 5 years of experience in scientific software development following standard practices.

• Proficiency in Python and IRAF/PyRAF

• Ability to carry out own astronomical research.

 

Desirable Work Experience:

 

• Instrumental and/or software development experience, such as data reduction pipelines or web-based software, would be a strong advantage.

• Experience in precision radial velocity work Échelle spectroscopy and/or NIR spectroscopy with fibers or IFUs would be an advantage. However, applicants with other observational backgrounds relevant to SALT will also be considered.

• Proficiency in some of the following programming languages:

• MySQL

• LabVIEW

• Java

• Javascript

• Software project management experience

• Interest in PR and outreach, using social media or otherwise, is also an asset.

 

 

The position will initially be for a period of three years, with the possibility of an extension. The salary package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

 

The filling of this position will be in line with the NRF's Employment Equity Policy and Plan.

 

For further information please contact Dr. Encarni Romero Colmenero ([email protected]); applicants should send a cover letter and CV to this address and to the SAAO HR Manager, Mrs Linda Tobin ([email protected]), and organise three letters of reference to be sent to both addresses.  

 

Please apply to this link: https://nrfintra.careerjunction.co.za/jobs/view/2276445

 

Applications should be submitted no later than 12th January 2019.

Application Deadline: 
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Mrs. Linda Tobin
Title: 
HR Manager
Institution/Company: 
National Research Foundation - South African Astronomical Observatory
Department Name: 
SALT Astronomy Operations
Street Line 1: 
P.O. Box 9
Street Line 2: 
Observatory
City: 
Cape Town
State/Province: 
Western CApe
Zip/Postal Code: 
7935
Country: 
South Africa
Phone: 
+27 21 4470025
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Dr. Encarni Romero Colmenero
Subject: 
SALT Astronomer Position Enquiry