At a Glance
- Tasks: Join an international team to develop deep-learning techniques for radio astronomy.
- Company: SKAO, a leading research organisation in radio astronomy based in the UK.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, generous pension, visa support, and a family-friendly environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research while collaborating globally.
- Qualifications: PhD in Radio Astronomy or Computer Science with expertise in deep learning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
3‑year fixed‑term position at SKAO Global Headquarters, Jodrell Bank, UK. This role focuses on developing deep‑learning‑based image reconstruction techniques for radio interferometry, building on ALMA data with the goal of extending the algorithms for future use with SKA telescopes.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with an international research team across Europe and North America.
- Develop a prototype high‑performance imaging pipeline with an anomaly‑detection module for the ALMA radio telescope using deep learning methods such as Visual Transformer and Metadata‑Aware Transformer.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- University PhD in Radio Astronomy, Computer Science or a closely related field, or equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with PyTorch, JAX or TensorFlow.
- Experience with CNNs, Transformers, diffusion models, self‑supervised/unsupervised learning, handling high‑dimensional data and distributed computing.
- Effective oral and written communication skills in English to represent SKAO at meetings, conferences or engage with external partners.
- Good organisational, communication and collaborative skills; flexibility and adaptability to change.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience working with computer vision problems using 3D data, sparse reconstruction, and generative models.
- Expertise in radio‑astronomy calibration and imaging techniques.
- Experience working in large collaborative projects.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Visa support and relocation assistance (if applicable).
- Regular social events and a family‑friendly environment.
- Inclusive, multicultural working environment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength and aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. We recruit and retain talented individuals regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background, and encourage female applicants. If you require adjustments, we will provide necessary support.
Postdoctoral Researcher on Machine Learning in Radio Interferometry employer: SKA Observatory
At SKAO Global Headquarters in Jodrell Bank, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration among an international research team. With generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and support for relocation, we are committed to the growth and well-being of our employees, making this a rewarding environment for those passionate about advancing machine learning in radio astronomy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher on Machine Learning in Radio Interferometry
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the field! Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups related to radio astronomy and machine learning. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving deep learning and image reconstruction. Use platforms like GitHub to share your code and results. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can back up your claims with real examples of your work!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to machine learning and radio astronomy. Practice explaining your past projects clearly and confidently. Remember, we want to see your passion and expertise shine through, so don’t hold back!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a position that excites you, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SKAO!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher on Machine Learning in Radio Interferometry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in deep learning and radio astronomy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or research!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this position and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at SKAO. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. We love candidates who can articulate their thoughts well, both in writing and verbally.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SKA Observatory
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your deep learning techniques, especially with PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow. Be ready to discuss your experience with CNNs and Transformers, as well as any projects you've worked on that relate to high-dimensional data.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with an international team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, as these will be key in a multicultural environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to radio astronomy and imaging techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of calibration and imaging methods, and be ready to explain complex concepts in a way that's easy to understand.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team's current projects or the future direction of the SKA telescopes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
