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Child safety

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The opportunity

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond. 

The CSIRO Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) team is integrating the complex digital and RF electronic systems into the SKA LOW Telescope Signal Chain and then verifying the Telescope to defined Level 1 requirements.

In this role, you will initially be part of the AIV team and work with the SKAO Science Operations team before transitioning fully to the SKAO team on completion of the construction project.
This role will evolve as the SKA-Low telescope is built.
During the construction phase, this role will be responsible for developing and commissioning observations for integration and verification events and supporting the science commissioning teams.
Observing during this phase is expected to be outside of traditional working hours.
Once construction is complete, this role will be responsible for the day-to-day observing of the SKA-Low telescope and providing analysis of the initial telescope data.
Observing during this phase is expected to be 24/7 with the team working shift patterns.

The role has an opportunity to potentially contribute to the development of science operations.
 

We strongly encourage applications from women and other traditionally underrepresented groups for this role. We offer family friendly policies and the ability to work flexibly to support this aim.
Applicants wishing to explore part time or job share working are openly encouraged to discuss their individual need for flexibility or specific working patterns during the recruitment process.

Your duties will include:

• Conduct, monitor and calibrate astronomical observations and use appropriate computing resources towards successful operation of the telescope array releases.
• Assist with system checks, maintenance handovers, array and correlator/beamformer configurations and setups.
• Undertake quality assurance of continuum, time domain and spectral line data obtained from early array releases using existing low frequency data sets, such as from the MWA or AAVS.
• Contribute to the design and documenting of operating procedures for SKAO.
• Support communication between engineering and technical staff and scientific stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, both within the AIV team and Science Operations Team and across the multi-disciplinary roles of the broader construction and operations activities.
• Adhere to the values of CSIRO and promote an inclusive workplace.
• Other duties as required.

Location: Kensington, Western Australia

Salary: AU$93,267 - AU$105,517 per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, full-time or part-time

Reference: 96331

To be considered you will need:

Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Experience using radio astronomy methods/observations.
• Aptitude to control and operate a scientific research facility including familiarity with monitoring, controlling, and scheduling.
• Appreciation of steps required for the acquisition and processing of scientific data.
• Aptitude to contribute to the definition and development of operational procedures, monitoring dashboards and documentation.
• Demonstrated aptitude to work collaboratively across disciplines, with engineers and scientists from a variety of cultures, contributing to an inclusive team environment.
• An awareness of equitable practices, including accessibility, to facilitate broad access to the Observatory.

Desirable

• PhD project involving astronomy observations and data reduction pipelines.
• Familiarity with low frequency radio astronomy calibration techniques.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

28th April 2024, 11:00pm AEST