What the Job Is About
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, or SARAO, is looking for bright, recent university graduates from South Africa to join the Graduate‑in‑Training Programme for 2026. If you love science, engineering, or computers and want to work on the next big discoveries in radio astronomy, this program could be a great fit.
Key Dates and Where You’ll Work
- Application deadline: 17 November 2025
- Start date: 1 March 2026
- Places you might be posted:
- The main office in Cape Town (Western Cape)
- The Losberg Site in the Northern Cape
- The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng
These sites give you a mix of office work, field work, and hands‑on projects at real research facilities.
What the Programme Looks Like
The Graduate‑in‑Training Programme runs for three full years. It is built so that you can move from theory to real work smoothly. You will get hands‑on experience across a few different areas:
- Engineering: Electrical, electronics, mechanical/mechatronics, and civil engineering projects that keep the observatory’s hardware running.
- Computer Science & Data Science: Developing software, building computer systems, and analysing large data sets that come from huge radio antennas.
- Radio Astronomy: Designing antennas, tuning radio frequency systems, and figuring out how to clean up noisy signals so the universe’s secrets can be heard.
You won’t be doing this alone. Experienced SARAO engineers, scientists, and managers will act as mentors. They will point you to the right technical skills, explain the science behind the work, and give feedback on your progress.
Why It’s Worth It
- Mentorship and Guidance: You’ll learn advice and know‑how directly from people who have spent years working on cutting‑edge projects.
- Real Projects: Every day you’ll have the chance to dip your hands into projects that help South Africa grow as a player in astronomy.
- Skill Building: The programme offers workshops and structured learning that sharpen both your tech abilities and soft skills like teamwork and communication.
- Networking: You’ll meet experts from universities and research labs across the world, opening doors to future collaborations.
- Career Path: If you finish strong, SARAO is ready to offer you a permanent role, or you’ll have a powerful résumé to show to other scientific employers.
Additionally, SARAO will help finance a part‑time Master’s degree at a South African university, so you can keep learning while working.
Who Can Apply
You need to have a diploma or degree in one of these areas:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BScEng) – Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical/Mechatronics, or Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science (MSc) – Electronics, Radio Frequency, or Antenna Systems
If you meet at least one of these qualifications, you can apply. Keep in mind that you will also need to pass an online assessment as part of the screening process.
How to Apply
You can register for the programme by clicking below. The link will take you to the official application page where you can fill in the required details and upload your CV.
Apply for the SARAO Graduate‑in‑Training Programme 2026
Final Note
Remember, the deadline is 17 November 2025. If you feel ready, don’t wait—submit your application before the cut‑off. Good luck, and we hope you’ll join the team that turns radio waves into new knowledge about the universe.