SKA-Low Deputy Telescope Director - CSIRO - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 29 July 2021

SKA-Low Deputy Telescope Director

 

The Opportunity

  • Be part of the most ambitious and challenging radio telescope project in the world
  • Build a world-leading team from the ground up
  • Work with global and Australian leaders in astronomy and space

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation global radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes: SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa. The SKAO is managed from its headquarters in the United Kingdom. SKAO will work in partnership with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to operate the SKA-Low telescope.

The SKA-Low Deputy Telescope Director will lead CSIRO’s team contributing to SKA-Low operations and construction support. They will be part of the SKA-Low Operations team, led by the SKA-Low Telescope Director (employed by SKAO) to establish and ultimately conduct the operations of the telescope.

Staff and elements of the telescope systems will be located at the Science Operations Centre (Perth), the Engineering Operations Centre (Geraldton), the Science Processing Centre (Perth), and at the telescope site, on the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory.

The SKA-Low Deputy Telescope Director will be a key player in ensuring that SKA Operations is consistent with the SKA ethos: One Observatory, Two Telescopes.

In this role you will:

  • Manage CSIRO staff in the SKA-Low operations & construction support team in Australia, including overseeing recruitment, capability & culture development & performance management.
  • Work alongside the SKA-Low Telescope Director & the SKA-Low management team to direct all SKA-Low operations staff in Australia in an open, effective & respectful way consistent with CSIRO and SKAO values.
  • Work closely with the SKA-Low Site Construction Director during the SKA Construction Phase, including providing staff for SKA construction support & other services as needed.
  • Support the SKA-Low Telescope Director & the Site Construction Director in representing Australian activities at the SKAO Senior Leadership Forum.
  • Be the key conduit between CSIRO and SKAO to ensure the safe, effective & efficient operation of SKA-Low in Australia.
  • Foster a collaborative relationship between local staff in business-enabling areas (eg HSE, HR, finance) & relevant function leads at SKAO HQ, ensuring consistency of practice.
  • Work alongside the SKA-Low Telescope Director to carry out budget &financial reporting for telescope operations and construction support.

Location: Perth or Geraldton, WA
Salary: Attractive salary package to be negotiated. Up to 15.4% superannuation.
Tenure: Negotiable; minimum three-year term with potential for renewal. Full-time. Flexible or part-time working arrangements will be considered on request (minimum hours required).
Reference: 76449

To be considered you will need:

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

  • A PhD in astronomy, physics, engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • A demonstrated record of successful leadership and management of sizeable teams, promoting diversity and developing an inclusive, high-performing culture. Experience of all aspects of people management including recruitment, capability development and performance management.
  • A record of successful senior management of large, high-tech facilities, including budgetary responsibility.
  • A track record of building strategic relationships, working collaboratively, delivering results through influence, and managing complex professional relationships, including across geographical and cultural boundaries.
  • Strategic planning capability with substantial analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable

  • Experience in the operations of large-scale astronomical facilities.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships.
  • Experience of the transition from construction to operations.
  • For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Flexible Working Arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.

Diversity and Inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

About CSIRO
At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply
Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close
13 September 2021, 11:00pm AEST