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Vacancies: Head: Development Laboratory

The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) is situated in the Hekpoort/Skeerpoort area, 30 km west of Krugersdorp. HartRAO operates as a National Facility within the National Research Foundation (NRF), the primary research instrument being a 26-m antenna equipped with multiple microwave receiver systems.

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:

Microwave Engineer

A BSc (Eng) or MSc with specialisation in microwave systems is a prerequisite for this position. Applicants must be computer literate and should have hands-on experience in computer aided analysis and design. Experience in the design and analysis of microwave reflector antennae, and experience in automated measurement and control would be added advantages.

The incumbent will have the following key responsibilities:

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.