Vacant Position - Researcher NRF/SARAO

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Krugersdorp, Gauteng
Closing Date: 13 March 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The purpose of this role is for GNSS technique-specific operations and support, as well as related research in support of Space Geodesy.

• Participate in GNSS operations, data handling, data processing and analysis
• Coordinate geodetic GNSS stations and measurement sessions, etc.
• Coordinate geodetic GNSS data access
• Manage session ancillary data e.g. meteorological data, log-files etc.
• Compile documentation related to procedures
• Liaise with international collaborators on failure modes, data shipping etc.

• Conduct research and ongoing analysis in support of GNSS and Geodetic objectives
• Use relevant knowledge and equipment in projects and activities
• Support research projects
• Publish in international journals and at conferences
• Training of students

• PhD in Physics / Astronomy / Geomatics / Geodetic or related field
• A valid driver license

• Minimum of 3 years in a GNSS operations / observatory environment (before, during or after PhD)
• Research experience: Publications in journals and at conferences

• GNSS Technique
• Linux experience
• Good understanding of mathematics, physics and statistics
• Word and Excel (mid to advanced level skills)
• GAMIT/GLOBK or GipsyX or similar analysis software
• Proven track record of managing GNSS stations and / or data

• Attention to detail
• Collaborate with other researchers in field to improve knowledge and transfer
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to understand, manipulate, analyze and interpret complex and diverse data
• Problem solving and decision making ability

The website provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short listed candidates only.