The Opportunity

• Play a key role in shaping the future of radio astronomy in Australia through this senior position
• Develop & support our dynamic research team to ensure CSIRO's global leadership in radio astronomy
• Lead the science operations of our world-class national astronomical research facility including our newest telescope, ASKAP

CSIRO’s Space and Astronomy business unit manages the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), including the Parkes radio telescope, the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). CSIRO also contributes to the development of the international Square Kilometre Array, manages the deep space communications stations in Australia for NASA and the European Space Agency, and leads CSIRO’s earth observation activities.

As the Director of the ATNF Science program, you will lead a team engaged in astrophysics research and supporting science delivery with up-to-date instrumentation on the ATNF telescopes.

As a member of the Space and Astronomy Executive team reporting directly to the Director of CSIRO Space and Astronomy, you will work closely with ATNF users, the heads of our Technologies and Observatory Operations programs and the ATNF Chief Scientist. You will engage in and support world-class research and innovation in radio astronomy with the ATNF telescopes, and Australia’s preparations for the SKA.

As the Program Director (ATNF Science), you will be an internationally recognised scientist, who is an innovative and collaborative leader. You will have demonstrated excellent people management skills that enable you successfully to nurture a world-class team of scientists and manage a portfolio of science, projects and external relationships. You will have approximately 30% of your time available for your own original research.

Your duties will include:

• Setting direction for and managing a world-class team whose scientific expertise is critical to CSIRO’s radio astronomy technology and telescope operations and SKA activities.
• As a member of the executive team, contributing to the overall strategy and management of the CSIRO Space and Astronomy Business Unit.
• Setting direction for and overseeing the delivery of user support, proposal review, time allocation and scheduling for the ATNF telescopes.
• Building strategic relationships within the User Community and across CSIRO to help deliver the best science with the ATNF.
• Managing the financial resources and ensuring a sustainable financial pipeline for the ATNF Science program.
• Attracting, developing, and supporting staff from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Fostering a creative culture that supports excellence in research by program staff.
• Actively promoting an inclusive, safe, and environmentally sustainable workplace.
• Producing internationally recognised astronomy output relevant to ATNF.

Location: Sydney (Marsfield) or Perth (Kensington)
Salary: Attractive salary package is negotiable, up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Negotiable – specified term of up to 3 years, with underlying indefinite appointment
Reference: 74721

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant science or technology field such as astrophysics, combined with managerial qualifications or significant relevant scientific leadership experience.
• Ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders and build strategic collaborations.
• An established international reputation and credibility in your field of astrophysics research or instrumentation.
• Experience in, or aptitude for, managing user support, telescope time allocation and scheduling.
• Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, empower, and develop staff and to promote wellbeing and foster creativity in teams.
• Evidence of the ability to think critically, identify business issues, manage conflicts, and allocate resources to meet both short and long term needs.
• Experience in strategic planning, organisational alignment, and management of change.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with respect to Health, Safety and Environment and integrate this program into normal business processes.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

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