Program Director, Australia Telescope National Facility

Acknowledgement of Country

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The opportunity

• Work for Australia’s national science agency 
• Contribute to the global effort to understand our Universe 
• Lead one of the world’s most advanced 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 Director, Space and Astronomy, we are seeking a Program Director who will hold overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the ATNF.  You will lead and build cohesion within the ATNF and work with the leadership team to develop and manage a sustainable portfolio of R&D projects consistent with the ATNF’s future direction to continue outstanding research and innovation in radio astronomy. 

As a key member of the Space and Astronomy research unit’s executive team, you will employ your superior collaboration and communication skills to balance delivering ATNF’s strategic objectives with CSIRO’s organisational-wide priorities and outcomes. 

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

Note, we are also recruiting the team that reports to the Program Director so please ensure you share with your relevant networks. Other ATNF roles currently being recruited are: 

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

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

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: 97635

About you:

We are seeking a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader who has these pre-requisites: 

Essential

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant science or technology field, such as astrophysics and / or radio astronomy; combined with managerial qualifications or significant relevant scientific leadership experience.    
• A proven ability to translate strategy into implementation, organisational alignment and management of change. 
• 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 with project and financial management (including but not limited to) budgeting, forecasting, resource management, managing significant funding streams or programs. 
• Evidence of the ability to think critically, identify business issues, manage conflicts and allocate resources to meet both short- and long-term needs. 
• 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. Values aligned to CSIRO's values. 
• The willingness and ability to travel interstate and internationally, as required, noting that CSIRO works hard to accommodate personal arrangements.  

Desirable 

• Established international reputation within Radio Astronomy.

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

11:59pm Wednesday 18 September 2024 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

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