Technical Manager

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Would you like to help people in developing countries develop practical skills in radio astronomy? Do you have experience of radio antenna systems? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research-intensive Universities?

We are looking for someone to manage and help deliver the technical training to people in African countries that are part of the world’s next generation radio telescope project, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA, www.skatelescope.org ). This post is part of the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA, www.dara-project.org ) funded by the UKRI’s International Science Partnerships Fund. 

The training of 60 students per year will take place at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in South Africa and the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) in Ghana. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) are also facilitating the provision of two-element training interferometers in each of eight African SKA partner countries that will be used to develop local training in skills in radio astronomy and potential satellite downlink.  

Holding a PhD (or have submitted your thesis before taking up the role) in technical radio astronomy, you will have experience of delivering training in topics related to radio astronomy and/or antenna systems.  It is anticipated that you will attend three 2-week events per year in Africa.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary . 
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Melvin Hoare , Professor of Astrophysics and DARA Principal Investigator

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3864 or email: [email protected]  

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Physics & Astronomy
Category:  Professional & Managerial
Grade:  Grade 7
Salary:  £37,099 to £44,263 p.a.
Working Time:  18.75 hours per week
Post Type:  Part Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (31 March 2027 - to complete specific time limited work)
Release Date:  Thursday 04 April 2024
Closing Date:  Sunday 21 April 2024
Reference:  EPSPA1109
Downloads:  Candidate Brief