The SKAO is seeking to employ a motivated and experienced radio astronomer to join our team as the SKA-Low Head of Science Operations. The Low Head of Science Operations will be based at the Science Operations Centre in Perth and will be a core part of the SKA-Low management team in Australia, led by the SKA-Low Telescope Director. They will work collaboratively with the SKA-Mid and GHQ Head of Science Operations to ensure that the SKAO delivers a coherent, efficient and effective science program.
With the SKAO now in its construction phase, planning for operations has entered an exciting period. As a leader in the Operations Group, the postholder will make a significant contribution to refining the strategic direction of the SKA-Low Science Operations activities, consistent with the SKA Observatory Establishment and Delivery Plan. They will also work closely with the SKAO commissioning team to deliver scientific commissioning and verification of SKA-Low. Over time they will be responsible for the day to day science operations of the SKA-Low telescope as the array is progressively handed over from construction.
We are looking for someone who has the inclusive and collaborative leadership skills needed to successfully build, manage and develop a team of operations scientists, telescope operators and data analysts in conjunction with the Science Operations teams at SKA-Mid and GHQ. The postholder will have significant operational and scientific experience in the full range of activities required to run a successful radio observatory. This includes knowledge of telescope systems, data processing and analysis as well as experience serving a diverse and distributed user community. SKAO will partner with CSIRO to operate the SKA-Low Telescope and support construction, and the Low Head of Science Operations will manage a team that includes SKAO and CSIRO employees.
The successful candidate will draw on their standing in the international astronomy community, and their established networks, to be an effective point of contact for the user community, keeping them abreast of developments, gathering feedback and influencing where appropriate.
Up to 25% of the time in this role will be available for personal scientific research.
About SKAO
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is coordinating a global effort to deliver the largest science facility on the planet; a next-generation global radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics.
SKAO is one observatory with two telescopes: SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa. Australia is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (UK).
In Australia, SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate the SKA-Low Telescope, which will be built at CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in regional Western Australia.
Diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society and are particularly keen to encourage diverse applicants from across the STEM community to apply for these roles. Read more about the SKAO and CSIRO commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Both CSIRO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive.
For more information and to apply, please follow this link.
Applications close: 30 January 2022
