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SALT Astronomer
Job Location:
Job Location:
Cape Town - South Africa
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
10 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
7 January 2027
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Introduction
SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent with global research and outreach collaborations and contributing to human capital development for South Africa. SAAOs headquarters are in Cape Town while the telescopes are near Sutherland a 4-hour drive away. The observatory hosts and operates many telescopes as well as the 10-m class optical SALT. SAAO is contracted to operate SALT on behalf of the International SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd.
Astronomers based in South Africa have access to time on the SAAO telescopes SALT as well as existing and upcoming radio astronomy addition we have access to either time on or data from a number of hosted facilities ranging from small optical telescopes to a 1.8-m infrared telescope. Researchers at SAAO work in areas including interacting binary stars transients galaxy evolution solar system science and instrumentation. We benefit from close collaborations with several universities including the nearby University of Cape Town.
Position: SALT Astronomer
Business Unit: South Africa Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
Location: Cape Town Western Cape
Astronomers based in South Africa have access to time on the SAAO telescopes SALT as well as existing and upcoming radio astronomy addition we have access to either time on or data from a number of hosted facilities ranging from small optical telescopes to a 1.8-m infrared telescope. Researchers at SAAO work in areas including interacting binary stars transients galaxy evolution solar system science and instrumentation. We benefit from close collaborations with several universities including the nearby University of Cape Town.
Position: SALT Astronomer
Business Unit: South Africa Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
Location: Cape Town Western Cape
Position Details
Position Summary:
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) on behalf of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Foundation (Pty) Ltd is seeking qualified candidates for the position of SALT Astronomer.
Key Responsibilities:
Conducting regular service observing on the queue-scheduled SALT.
Supporting queue-scheduled SALT operations by liaising with SALT users reviewing planned observations and ensuring they are feasible and aligned with their scientific objectives.
Monitoring and improving automated data-reduction pipelines.
Developing software to support SALT Astronomy Operations.
Depending on background serving as an instrument scientist for a SALT instrument or instrument mode.
Conduct their own research for which research time and resources using SALT and other SAAO facilities will also be available on a competitive basis.
Student supervision and/or lecturing are also strongly encouraged as well as active participation in the scientific and functional life of the Observatory.
Additional Notes:
DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
Software development experience such as data reduction pipelines or web-based software would be an advantage.
Ability to work on their own and as part of a team.
Interest in PR and outreach using social media or otherwise is also an asset.
Applicants should send a cover letter a brief statement of a research plan and a copy of their CV (which should include a publication list) to the Head of SALT Astronomy Operations Dr. Danièl Groenewald ()and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to the mentioned email address.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) on behalf of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Foundation (Pty) Ltd is seeking qualified candidates for the position of SALT Astronomer.
Key Responsibilities:
Conducting regular service observing on the queue-scheduled SALT.
Supporting queue-scheduled SALT operations by liaising with SALT users reviewing planned observations and ensuring they are feasible and aligned with their scientific objectives.
Monitoring and improving automated data-reduction pipelines.
Developing software to support SALT Astronomy Operations.
Depending on background serving as an instrument scientist for a SALT instrument or instrument mode.
Conduct their own research for which research time and resources using SALT and other SAAO facilities will also be available on a competitive basis.
Student supervision and/or lecturing are also strongly encouraged as well as active participation in the scientific and functional life of the Observatory.
Additional Notes:
DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
Software development experience such as data reduction pipelines or web-based software would be an advantage.
Ability to work on their own and as part of a team.
Interest in PR and outreach using social media or otherwise is also an asset.
Applicants should send a cover letter a brief statement of a research plan and a copy of their CV (which should include a publication list) to the Head of SALT Astronomy Operations Dr. Danièl Groenewald ()and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to the mentioned email address.
Requirements
Qualification:
PhD in Astronomy or related field.
Experience:
At least two (2) years of postdoctoral experience in optical or near infrared (NIR) astronomy.
Experience with optical or NIR spectroscopy as part of an astronomy career.
Established publication record (2 first-author papers minimum) and/or demonstrated experience in instrumentation development or related work.
Excellent communication skills in English particularly written.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Programming experience in Python.
PhD in Astronomy or related field.
Experience:
At least two (2) years of postdoctoral experience in optical or near infrared (NIR) astronomy.
Experience with optical or NIR spectroscopy as part of an astronomy career.
Established publication record (2 first-author papers minimum) and/or demonstrated experience in instrumentation development or related work.
Excellent communication skills in English particularly written.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Programming experience in Python.
How to Apply
Closing Date: Wednesday 04 Nov 2026
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Contact Information
