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About CSIRO

CSIRO is Australia’s National Science Agency and one of the world’s largest and most successful research and development (R&D) organisations. We are a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health, and sustainability. We have improved the lives of many around the world through our R&D including WiFi, the Hendra Virus Vaccine, Aerogard and the Total Wellbeing Diet. CSIRO works with governments, industries, businesses and communities across the nation to solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

About the Space & Astronomy Business Unit

Our expertise is in understanding the Universe, including observing Earth from space. Through our Space and Astronomy business unit we operate world-class national facilities for radio astronomy, spacecraft communications and tracking, and collecting satellite-derived data about Earth, for customers from across Australia and the world. Find out more here: Space and Astronomy 

About the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF)

The Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) is operated by CSIRO within its Space and Astronomy business unit. ATNF includes the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP), the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Parkes Telescope, and carries out associated instrumentation, technology development and research programs.  

About the Role

We are seeking our next Program Director, ATNF Technologies for this world-class program within CSIRO’s Space and Astronomy (S&A) Business Unit.

Reporting to the S&A Science Director, the Program Director ATNF Technologies, forms an important member of the S&A Business Unit Leadership Team and is responsible for setting the strategic direction for technology development capability aimed at discovery and innovation in radio astronomy with the ATNF and other telescopes globally, and for implementing this strategy through a portfolio of technology and instrumentation projects.

Attracting, retaining, empowering, and developing world class talent (engineers and researchers), whose technical and scientific expertise is critical for the development and implementation of next generation radio astronomical facilities, including the SKA will be key to this role and the success of the projects.

As a member of the S&A leadership team and a senior leader within CSIRO, exceptional stakeholder engagement and partnership skills will be required, enabling you to work with the heads of the ATNF Science and Operations programs and other senior leaders within CSIRO and with astronomy institutes worldwide, to deliver outcomes that support outstanding research and innovation. 

Location:            Marsfield site office in Sydney, NSW.
Salary:                Attractive Salary plus Motor Vehicle Allowance plus up to 15.4% super, based on experience and negotiable for the right candidate.
Tenure:               Specified Term of 3 years, full-time, with the possibility of an underlying on-going position.

About You

To be considered for this exciting world-defining leadership role, you will be an engaging senior leader with deep knowledge, expertise and reputation in innovative radio astronomy research and / or instrumentation. You have exceptional interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, combined with a proven ability to form and maintain strategic and collaborative working relationships with senior stakeholders both internal and external to your organisation and both nationally and internationally. 

In addition, you bring:

• A demonstrated record of delivering cutting edge astronomical instrumentation.
• A proven track record leading a multidisciplinary cohort of highly technical staff; with an inspirational staff leadership style and a proven ability to empower staff while creating a collaborative and innovative culture where people thrive. 
• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant science or technology field, ideally radio astronomy; combined with managerial qualifications or significant relevant scientific leadership experience.   

For more information, please view the position description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates who meet the requirements of the role. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Police Clearance (and may be subject to 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. 

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. 

Wellbeing at CSIRO

At CSIRO, 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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line with a cover letter or executive summary (of no more than 2 pages long) with your CV, both of which outline your motivations for applying and your key skills and experience to enable you to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

11:59pm 31st January 2024 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the advertising early if we find our desired candidate. Late applications will not be accepted.