The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is intended to be the 'next-generation' global radio telescope. South Africa is bidding for it to be built in the Northern Cape Province, and is using it as a platform for research and development opportunities in science and engineering. A prototype 15-m antenna for the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT) is being built at HartRAO as the eXperimental Development Model (XDM), for completion in 2007, as a lead-in to KAT itself, an array of 20 15-m antennas. In addition a redundant 7-m antenna is being acquired for a project named C-BASS in connection with the Cosmic Microwave Background, and will be re-equipped at HartRAO.

We invite applications for the following position:

The incumbent will have the following key responsibilities:

• The development, upgrading, testing and operational support for the cryogenic microwave receiver systems on the HartRAO 26-m radio telescope.
• Participate in the development, testing and operation of receiver systems for the eXperimental Development Model (XDM) of the KAT, which is being built at HartRAO.
• Development, testing and support for a receiver for C-BASS.
• The operation of fixed and mobile RFI monitoring equipment at the observatory and SKA / KAT sites.
• The management of the radio spectrum and the control of RFI at HartRAO and at the SKA / KAT sites.

The observatory is involved in numerous international projects, including the proposed Square Kilometre Array radio telescope. The appointees will be responsible for providing support for these projects. This may involve work out of normal working hours and at field sites in the Northern Cape from time to time.

Applicants must be able and willing to ascend the 30-m high structure of the 26-m radio telescope, and other antennas.

We offer a negotiable salary package which includes a 13th cheque, medical and pension benefits, a group life insurance scheme and ample leave and sick leave privileges. Transport to and from the Observatory is provided by a car pool system on routes to the West Rand, Johannesburg and Pretoria areas.

For further information see the HartRAO website and South Africa's SKA bid website,
or phone 012-326-0742.

Suitably qualified applicants should send their CV's and a letter of motivation to the Business Manager:
e-mail katlego@hartrao.ac.za
fax 012-326-0756
post HartRAO, P O Box 443, Krugersdorp 1740.