The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is recruiting a telescope operations manager to its facility in Cape Town, Western Cape. The successful candidate will manage a team of telescope operators responsible for ensuring that science observations produce valid and quality science data, managing the failure reporting system and processes, and interfacing with both engineering and maintenance staff to correct system failures to maximise the efficiency of the radio telescope.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a team of Telescope Operators responsible for observations and the collection of science data;
- Managing budget and financial performance of the department;
- Reporting of activities and the performance of the telescope operations in various meetings;
- Ensuring that telescope operations meet annual targets set by management;
- Liaising with Engineering and Maintenance teams on their requirements for the telescope maintenance and bug fixes activities;
- Determining the prioritisation of the observations schedule versus telescope maintenance;
- Creating and implementing telescope standard operating procedures and training manuals;
- Coordinating telescope activities with commissioning scientists to improve system efficiency;
- Utilising radio astronomy to promote public outreach and education; and
- Training of new telescope operators.
Key Requirements
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree (Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, or Software Engineering) OR
- Bachelor’s degree (Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or Computer Science)
Experience
- Ten (10) years of working experience working in an astronomy observatory or a similar operational facility, of which three years should be in a managerial capacity;
- Managing staff;
- Development of operating procedures and user training manuals;
- Operating an interferometer radio telescope (Advantageous); and
- Developing software observational tools to enhance Operations (Advantageous)
Knowledge
- Budgeting and financial management procedures;
- Fault tracking and reporting system;
- Health & Safety and RFI compliance requirements;
- Quality assurance of science data;
- Acceptance, Verification and Integration process;
- Project management and project management tools; and
- Performance management process.
Additional Notes
- Excellent technical problem-solving skills;
- Ability to persuade, motivate and lead others;
- Ability to communicate clearly on technical issues to the non-specialist and senior-level audiences;
- High-level planning and strong organisational skills;
- Ability to partner with cross-functional support teams in improving the efficiency of the telescope system;
- Ensure operational activities remain on time and within a defined space of time;
- Ability to contribute to the strategic objective of the division;
- Driving to other sites when required; and
- Good verbal communication skills.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging in here before 20 April 2022. Furthermore, applicants should include a letter of motivation indicating their suitability for the position in their applications. In addition, the applicants must provide the names and contact details of at least three referees.
South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Also, the NRF is committed to employment equity and redress, and appointments to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. In addition, the NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment and will send correspondence to short-listed candidates only.
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