[AstroNet] Astronomer vacancy at HartRAO

[Michael Gaylard]

HartRAO Vacancy – Operations Astronomer

The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory is located 60km West of
Johannesburg, South Africa, in a valley in the Magaliesberg hills.  It is
a National Facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF).  The 26m
radio telescope is equipped to operate in multiple bands from 18 cm to 1.3
cm and carries out astronomical and geodetic VLBI and single-dish
radiometry, spectroscopy and pulsar timing.  A queue scheduler provides
fully automated single-dish observing. The observatory operates 24/7. Some
current research areas are interstellar masers, pulsars, AGN's and radio
supernovae. A 15m telescope is being equipped for geodetic VLBI.   HartRAO
is a member of the European VLBI Network (EVN).  We are involved in the
Karoo Array Telescope project (MeerKAT), the South African SKA bid, the
redevelopment of large satellite antennas in African countries for radio
astronomy as well as the C-band all-sky survey (CBASS).

Most staff live in Johannesburg, Pretoria or adjacent towns.  A pool car
system is in operation to provide transport to and from work.  Salary is
on the South African market-related scale.  The salary package is
configurable for individual needs and includes retirement benefits,
medical aid, generous leave and sick leave.  Normal working hours are
Monday through Friday daytime, however night and weekend work will be
required at times, with time off in compensation.

Primary tasks with approximate time allocations:
* Carry out testing, calibration and operational observing with
observatory radio telescopes and support same in external collaborations
(20%).
* Develop software and systems for radio astronomical observing, control
and monitoring and data reduction for HartRAO and other African
developments (20%)
* User support and student training through practicals and projects at
Hons, MSc and PhD levels, lecturing and outreach (20%).
* Carry out astronomical research for publication (40%).

Requirements for the position:
* PhD in radio astronomy
* Relevant experience in astronomy-related software development
* Track record in publishing astronomical research in refereed journals
* Experience in radio telescope operations
* Experience with Linux
* Experience in user support / lecturing / student training / outreach
* Ability to work well with a small team of scientists and engineering staff

Information about HartRAO: http://www.hartrao.ac.za
Enquiries: phone +27 12 301-3100

Applications
Applicants should email to recruitment at hartrao.ac.za :
* A CV that addresses the position requirements
* A letter of motivation indicating your suitability for and interest in
the position
* Contact details of three referees.

Closing date
2011 August 31