Deputy/Science Director, Space & Astronomy

​CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has strong capabilities and partnerships in astronomy, technology and space, developed over the past 75 years. Our Space & Astronomy business unit has over 300 people working across Australia to understand our Universe, contribute to solving the greatest challenges, and build future industry.

The Deputy/Science Director works closely with the Director to oversee programs and activities within the business unit and ensure the long-term success and growth of world-leading space & astronomy activity in Australia. The Deputy/Science Director provides scientific vision and cross-disciplinary leadership in areas relevant to their expertise, managing key relationships within and beyond CSIRO. They are a member of the CSIRO Science Council, deputising for the Director as required.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and promote a world-leading science and innovation culture focused on delivering national and international impact
• Develop new science capability and be accountable for its performance and translation into impact
• Be an active member of CSIRO Science Council, providing direction and recommendations to the CSIRO Executive on internal and external competitive schemes and new initiatives
• Contribute to strategy and operational planning for the business unit
• Develop proposals and initiatives aligned with the business unit’s strategic direction, and lead the promotion and facilitation of their implementation
• Shape science/engineering capability through internal and external collaboration to meet future science opportunities and program goals
• Manage external relationships with partners to advance CSIRO’s strategic goals in science and innovation delivery and impact, in conjunction with the Director
• Introduce new perspectives and directions to address new opportunities and long-standing challenges.
• Provide high level representation for CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy business unit capability both nationally and internationally
• Work collaboratively with the business unit leadership team to ensure that capability, resources, and strategic investments are effectively prioritised and deployed to meet current and future requirements

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a science or technology field relevant to space and/or astronomy, combined with managerial qualifications or significant relevant scientific leadership experience.
• Success in working at the interface of discovery science and impact delivery
• Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, empower and develop world class people, and to promote wellbeing and foster cross-organisational collaboration
• Broad science knowledge and deep understanding of a range of domains and disciplines
• Relevant professional business, industry and research networks within Space & Astronomy
• In depth knowledge and understanding of national and international innovation system (Universities, publicly funded research agencies, NGOs and CSIRO’s role in this system)
• Strong knowledge of external Industries and R&D markets, trends, decision making and dynamics relevant to the Space & Astronomy business unit research portfolio
• Demonstrated experience in the leadership of strategy, planning and prioritisation activities in a space, astronomy, or related science environment

Eligibility: To be eligible to work in CSIRO you must either be an Australian Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or hold or be able to obtain a valid working visa.

How to apply: Applications will only be accepted through the CSIRO website. Please click through to the URL below to apply. Potential applicants with questions about the position or the search are encouraged to contact the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected], quoting reference 74366.