Abstract

Contributed Talk - Plenary

Working at a Radio Observatory – Jobs That Support Science

Alex Kraus
Max-Planck-Institute für Radioastronomie

The Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope is the second-largest fully-steerable radio telescope in the world. It plays a vital role in cutting-edge astronomical research, enabling highly sensitive observations both as a standalone instrument and as a key component in global VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) networks. Behind every successful observation lies a dedicated team of professionals who ensure the telescope operates smoothly and efficiently. In this talk, we’ll explore the essential roles of telescope operators, support scientists, and frequency managers at the Effelsberg observatory. We’ll look at their responsibilities, the skills they bring, and how their work enables discoveries in radio astronomy.