The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation, manages all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa. It is home to the MeerKAT radio telescope and is the host country for the mid-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). SARAO’s head office is in Cape Town, and its main observing site is in the Karoo region.

The SARAO Graduate-in-Training Programme is designed to equip recent graduates with hands-on experience and professional development in engineering, science, and technology, particularly in the field of radio astronomy.

This three-year programme bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application by offering mentorship, technical training, and exposure to cutting-edge research projects.

Graduates will engage in diverse areas such as:

• Engineering disciplines: Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical/Mechatronics, and Civil Engineering
• Computer Science & Data Science: Software development, system integration, and computational modelling
• Radio Astronomy Research & Technology: Radio frequency systems, antenna design, and signal processing

Programme Benefits

• Mentorship & Guidance: Learn from experienced SARAO engineers, scientists, and managers.
• Project Involvement: Participate in major SARAO projects contributing to South Africa’s growing astronomy landscape.
• Skill Development: Gain both technical and professional skills through structured learning and workshops.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading experts and collaborators in the global astronomy community.
• Career Advancement: Successful graduates may secure long-term roles at SARAO or related scientific organisations.

SARAO will also provide financial assistance to successful graduates who choose to pursue a part-time Master’s degree at a South African university during the programme.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold a qualification in one of the following:

• BEng/BScEng in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical/Mechatronics, or Civil Engineering
• BEng/BScEng in Computer Science or BSc(Hons) in Computer Science
• B.Eng or B.Tech in Civil Engineering
• MSc in Electronics, Radio Frequency, or Antenna Systems

Placement & Duration

Successful graduates will be placed at:

• SARAO Cape Town Office
• Losberg Site (Northern Cape)
• Hartebeesthoek (HartRAO), Gauteng

Duration: 3 Years (Starting 1 March 2026)

Important Information

• Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an online assessment as part of the selection process.
• Only candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.