ASTRON is the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy and part of the Netherlands organization for fundamental research, NWO. Its mission is to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen, via the development of new and innovative technologies, the operation of world-class radio astronomy facilities (the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope and the LOFAR telescope network), and the pursuit of fundamental astronomical research. ASTRON’s aim is to be a global leader and innovator in the field, developing and adopting new and novel technologies for advanced radio astronomy instrumentation, providing astronomers with access to outstanding radio telescope facilities, and broadly contributing to astronomical research in general. But also bringing the technology developed for radio astronomy to the market place is a goal of ASTRON.
The Research and Development department has expertise in all areas necessary for the end-to-end development of facilities: antennas, system design, digital and embedded signal processing, mechanical design and production, photonics, computing and advanced algorithm development. The over 50 technical scientists and engineers cover a wide range of technological areas, including system design & engineering, antennas and low-noise RF systems, digital and embedded signal processing, software & scientific computing and mechanical design & industrialization. This gives the R&D department unique capabilities to develop complete innovative systems from conception to commissioning. To ensure sustained innovation, a significant contribution is made to fundamental science through the application of new technologies. Research and development projects are supported through well-founded labs with state-of-the-art measurement equipment and design tools.
Strategic priorities of the department are smart antenna systems and advanced calibration. ASTRON develops the APERTIF phased array feed system for the WSRT and leads the international consortium for the Aperture Array elements of the SKA. ASTRON is advancing the software and computing for LOFAR and makes a major contribution to the science data processing for the SKA. Through the activities of the R&D department, ASTRON makes a substantial contribution to the Dutch Topsector policy. Research and development is done in international collaborations and in partnerships with industry and academia. With LOFAR, ASTRON pioneered the model of “Big Science Public Private Partnerships”. The ASTRON & IBM Center for Exascale Technology is the most recent achievement of this strategy.
ASTRON is seeking candidates for the position of:
Head Research & Development (f/m)
The Head of R&D is responsible for the management of the R&D department and the technological research program. She/he will ensure ASTRON maintains the technological expertise and facilities necessary to participate in future forefront projects in the international arena. As a member of the ASTRON MT, she/he is involved in setting out the strategy of the institute, defining and acquiring new instrumentation projects and sources for funding. As NWO is committed to contribute to the Dutch “Topsectorenbeleid”, the Head of R&D will be working with industrial partners to maximize the relevance of ASTRONs technology program for the High-Tech Systems and Materials community. The Head of R&D is also in charge of the implementation of ASTRON’s Technology Transfer strategy.
The requirements
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven leadership skills in the management of teams of highly qualified professionals;
- Proven expertise in one of the core fields of technical R&D at ASTRON, or in a closely related field;
- At least 5 years of experience in the management of advanced technology development, including inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary cooperation;
- Proven track record in the acquisition of scientific and (semi-)commercial projects.
She/he will:
- Have a university degree, preferably a PhD, in electrical engineering, physics or other relevant area, or the equivalent in experience;
- Be an excellent organizer, natural communicator and effective motivator of people;
- Be a team player, especially in her/his role as member of the ASTRON management team; and have an excellent command of the English language and be able and willing to learn within two years, to speak and write in the Dutch language if not a native speaker.
The offer
In addition to a stimulating working environment in pleasant surroundings, we are able to offer a competitive salary dependent on qualifications and experience together with an excellent package of secondary benefits. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible extension for three additional years based on good performance. For more information, please contact Diana Verweij, HR department, tel. +31(0)521595100 during office hours, or email verweij@astron.nl at any time; or consult our web site: http://www.astron.nl.
Candidates can send an application before November 16, 2012 by email which should refer to vacancy nr. 2012-09-024, include a resume and contact information, to the attention of Diana Verweij, head of HR, e-mail: personnel@astron.nl.
A psychological evaluation may be part of the selection process.
Acquisitions based on this advertisement are not appreciated.
