SARAO is hiring for multiple positions.
SALT Astronomer (pipeline focus)
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is recruiting a SALT Astronomer (pipeline focus) for a three-year contract to its facility in Cape Town, Western Cape. The successful candidates will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the full SALT Data Reduction Pipeline, from science-ready data products for all SALT instrumentation. In addition, the successful candidate will develop, maintain and update essential quick-look and data-processing software tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the data reduction pipelines operate correctly to provide user data reduction support and upgrade and/or develop new software tools as needed;
- Conduct service observing about 3-4 weeks per year on the queue-scheduled SALT;
- Conduct their research, for which personal research time and resources will also be available competitively, using SALT and other SAAO facilities; anf
- Student supervision and/or lecturing are also strongly encouraged, as is active participation in the Observatory’s scientific and functional life.
Qualification
- PhD in Astronomy or related field;
- Three years of post-doctoral observational and research experience in optical or IR observational astronomy and relevant data reduction packages; and
- Five years of experience in scientific software development following standard practices. This could be concurrent with the PhD.
Knowledge
- Proficiency in Python; and
- Ability to carry out own astronomical research.
Additional Notes
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 optical and/or NIR spectroscopy with fibres or IFUs would be advantageous. However, applicants with other observational backgrounds relevant to SALT will also be considered;
- Proficiency in some of the following programming languages: MySQL, LabVIEW, Java, and Javascript
- Software project management experience.
- Interest in PR and outreach, using social media or otherwise, is also an asset.
How to Apply
Applicants should log in here, and submit a cover letter indicating their suitability for the position and a brief research plan statement by June 28, 2024. They should also provide at least three referees’ names and contact details.
South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a challenging career and a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is also committed to employment equity and redress, and appointments to the position will align with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. In addition, the NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment and will only send correspondence to short-listed candidates.
For more information, click here.
Senior Quality Control Technician
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is recruiting a Senior Quality Control Technician on a permanent contract to its facility in Cape Town, Western Cape. The successful candidates will be responsible for ensuring the identification, analysis, resolution and reporting of quality failures in the engineering and technology development activities, including production and supplier interactions, and ensuring adherence to engineering quality control processes and systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct inspections and tests on incoming materials, in-process production, and finished products to assess their compliance with quality standards, specifications, procedures and legal requirements;
- Perform field inspections in accordance with project specifications and scope of work as noted within the Project Quality Plan;
- Proposing improvements to the production process. Reviewing drawings and specifications;
- Keeping measurement equipment operating accurately by following calibration requirements and calling for repairs;
- Assisting in the development of test methods and inspection plans;
- Provide training and support to Engineering and technology development staff on quality control measures to improve product excellence (Training on processes, standards, and best practices);
- Develop and maintain quality control procedures, work instructions, and documentation to ensure consistency in quality assessment processes;
- Conduct periodic audits of manufacturing processes, procedures, and documentation to identify areas of improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards and
- Identify and document non-conformance issues, work with cross-functional teams to investigate root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Qualification
Diploma in Engineering (preferably Electronic/Mechanical/Mechatronic) or an equivalent technical qualification in engineering.
Experience
- Minimum of 7-9 years (depending on qualifications) of proven experience in quality management within a technical or manufacturing environment, preferably for large-scale projects;
- Experience with managing field engineering, inspection, and Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) related to all QA/QC functions;
- ISO 9001: 2015 Auditing Experience; and
- Development and Implementation of ISO 9001:2015 QMS.
Knowledge
- Proven experience in quality control roles in a technical and manufacturing environment;
- Advanced measuring and testing of site development, manufacturing of parts and components for conformity to specifications (and design drawings) using precision tools and instruments;
- Strong knowledge of quality control methodologies, tools, and best practices;
- Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and quality management systems (i.e. ISO9001);
- Systems engineering processes and procedures;
- Configuration management;
- Document control; and
- Engineering change control.
Additional Notes
Skills/Ability/Competencies
- Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English;
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Efficiency in a high-pressure environment;
- Proactive;
- Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty;
- Proficient in Root Cause Analysis & Problem-solving;
- Strong decision-making;
- Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in quality assessments;
- Well-developed relationship and influencing skills;
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively within cross-functional teams;
- Willingness to work outside normal hours;
- No constraints on the ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally; and
- Interacting with multi-disciplinary teams.
How to Apply
Applicants should log in here and submit a cover letter indicating their suitability for the position and a brief research plan statement by 5 July 2024. They should also provide the names and contact details of at least three referees.
South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a challenging career and a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is also committed to employment equity and redress, and appointments to the position will align with the NRF Employment.
For more information, click here.
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