At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
This role is ideal for a leading radio astronomer with experience of operational radio telescopes and their commissioning, a strong research record, and a demonstrated ability to build effective relationships within the radio astronomy community
The Role
The Head of Scientific Services leads SKAO’s Scientific Services team and will work closely with the Deputy Director of Operations (and the SKAO Chief Scientist) in defining the strategy and direction for the Scientific Services team and will lead the team to implement it. The role requires good communication skills and the ability to build and nurture strong relationships with the SKA scientific community.
The role sits within the Operations group and is located at the SKAO GHQ. The Head of Scientific Services will report to the Deputy Director of Operations and as required, is expected to work closely with the SKAO Chief Scientist.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
This role requires the postholder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
The main functions of this role are to:
- Lead and manage the Scientific Services team.
- Ensure that the team provides support for science commissioning of the SKA-Low and SKA-Mid telescopes and the science verification of observing modes.
- Provide support analyses, as required, on the science impact of proposed design changes to the SKA telescopes as presented through Engineering Change Proposals.
- Work with the SKAO Chief Scientist to define and maintain the science roadmap for the SKA Observatory Development Programme (SODP). Lead and organise the Scientific Services team in providing scientific advice to SODP Projects and Studies.
- Define and lead the process for the scientific review and evaluation of observing proposals to the SKA telescopes. Support the Time Allocation Committee in this work for Principal Investigator proposals, as well as larger Key Science Projects (KSPs).
- Measure the scientific productivity of the SKAO and track the progress of KSPs against their stated goals.
- Provide leadership in organising and/or supporting SKA science meetings, especially those being hosted by SKAO, and lead interactions with the SKAO Science Working Groups.
- Coordinate closely with other group Heads within Operations as required.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as directed.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The Head of Scientific Services will have:
- A PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or closely related field.
- A deep understanding of the system design of radio interferometers and ability to describe system requirements to a knowledgeable audience.
- A demonstrated record of promoting diversity and developing an inclusive, high-performing culture.
- A demonstrable ability to think strategically, translate high-level goals into personal and group objectives, develop plans and bring those plans to implementation.
- Participated in telescope time allocation processes, preferably in a leadership position.
- Proven background working with and influencing a diverse and globally-distributed telescope user community.
- The experience of working effectively with engineers and scientists from a diverse range of cultures, and a demonstrated ability to influence people in widely differing parts of a complex and rapidly changing organisation.
- Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate may also have:
- Demonstrated commitment to equitable and fair practices to facilitate the broadest possible access to the Observatory from the scientific user community.
- Experience of managing a group of scientists in an operational or research environment, or evidence of potential to fulfil a management position.
- Experience of commissioning radio astronomy (or similar) telescopes, instrumentation and capabilities.
- Experience with collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Miro.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
