Head of Science, Australia Telescope National Facility

Acknowledgement of Country

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The opportunity

• Work for Australia’s National Science Agency 
• Contribution to the global effort to understand our Universe 
• Leadership role enabling science excellent from a national portfolio of radio astronomy facilities  

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we deliver transformative, positive impacts through science and technology. Named the most trusted government service in 2022 by Roy Morgan’s Trusted Brand Awards, we collaborate with universities, government, industry and innovative communities across the country and internationally. With over 6,000 staff, we contribute to Australia’s national prosperity, environmental sustainability and social wellbeing. 

About the Australia Telescope National Facility

With over 350 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation.  
 
The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade. 
 
The ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe.  

The role

Reporting to the ATNF Program Director, the ATNF Head of Science will focus on enabling science excellence across our facilities, leading the team, and supporting our user community. This role involves collaborating with other ATNF leaders to make informed decisions on personnel capabilities, managing budgets, and overseeing key programs, including the ATNF student and Postdoctoral Fellow initiatives. The Head of Science will ensure effective, tailored support for users, and will engage with the ATNF Users’ Committee while overseeing the Time Assignment Committee. 

You will champion diversity and implement initiatives that enhance inclusion. Promoting an inclusive, safe, and environmentally sustainable workplace will be central to your responsibilities, alongside modelling professional behaviour and proactively managing staff matters. 

This is your opportunity to lead in a world-class radio astronomy facility, where the associated technology and instrumentation is amongst the best globally.  

Note, we are also recruiting the Program Director that this role reports to as well as the wider ATNF leadership team, so please ensure you share with your relevant networks.  

• Head of Operations 
• Head of Software & Scientific Computing 
• Head of Instrumentation 
• Chief Engineer  
• Chief Scientist 
• Chief Technologist 

Location: Consideration given to Sydney (Marsfield), Perth (Kensington), Parkes or Narrabri 

Salary: Attractive salary package plus 15.4% superannuation, negotiable for the right candidate 

Tenure: Specified term of five years with the possibility of an underlying indefinite research appointment. Full-time. 

Reference: 97637

About you

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in radio astronomy, astrophysics or a related area.  
• Experience in leading a high-performance culture in a research environment/organisation, including the integration of Health, Safety & Environment and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion into normal business processes.  
• Experience of financial management (including but not limited to) budgeting, forecasting and resource management. 
• Ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders and build strategic collaborations. 
• A demonstrated record of adherence to professional ethics and conduct, including professional and respectful workplace behaviour. 
• A willingness and ability to travel interstate and, as required, internationally. 
• Desirable: research leadership experience in radio astronomy or a relevant field. 

For a detailed overview of the role and responsibilities, please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications are open to all candidates who meet the requirements of the role. (VISA sponsorship will be provided to the successful candidate as required). 

Note: the successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Police Clearance or equivalent and there may be other security/medical/character clearance requirements. 

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Find out more about our approach to work-life balance.

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. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply on-line with a curriculum vitae and cover letter or summary (no longer than 1,000 words) outlining the motivation for applying and a high-level summary response to the selection criteria described in the position description.

Applications close

Wednesday 18 September 2024 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

We encourage early applications as late applications will not be accepted.