The Scientist's role will be to champion and safe guard the scientific capabilities and accomplishments of the SKA Observatory.

The scientific interests and priorities of the community are channelled into the current SKAO design and potential future upgrades. The role entails optimally engaging the science user community throughout the construction, commissioning and operational phases. It is expected that SKAO Scientists are active researchers, with an interest in the key science areas to be explored by the SKAO.

The Scientist will report to the SKAO Director of Science and will be part of the wider SKAO Science Team. They will be expected to engage with the global science community and serve as advocates of the SKAO within both the radio astronomy and the broader astronomical community, and provide a conduit to understand and contribute to the science goals of the SKAO.

In line with our Flexible Working Policy, flexibility around working hours may be accommodated in agreement with the Line Manager where operationally viable, ensuring telescope delivery is not impacted.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Lead the development and verification of the SKAO science requirements and play a major role in the 
commissioning of the telescopes
• Lead the development of Science Data Challenges that effectively engage the community prior to the SKAO commissioning phase
• Provide the scientific oversight in the process of translating scientific goals into 
technical requirements
• Engage and work with the SKAO Engineering and Operations teams to ensure that the SKAO will 
deliver maximal science within the boundaries and constraints of the project
• Engage and communicate effectively with the globally distributed scientific user community
• Travel nationally and internationally as required (typically with up to one week, up to 6 times per year)
• 25% of time will be available for personal research

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A PhD or equivalent in astronomy, physics or a closely related field
• Research experience at postdoctoral level
• Experience with large astronomical science projects

• Ability to form an effective interface between science and engineering teams
• Good communication skills
• Ability to present  work in international and other 
forums
• Ability to work effectively with scientists from a variety of cultures
• A flexible team player who is adaptable to change
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required and when possible in the context of any international travel restrictions (typically with up to one week, up to 6 times per year)

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience with state-of-the-art simulations of data products
• Effective scripting and programming skills