HIRAX Project Director

The Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis experiment (HIRAX) is a major radio astronomy telescope slated for construction in a radio-quiet area in South Africa. It will detect the effects of dark energy on the distribution of galaxies, traced by their neutral hydrogen emission.  Operating between 400 and 800 MHz, HIRAX will also be a world-leading facility for studies of radio transients, pulsars, and hydrogen absorbers. HIRAX is led by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and so UKZN seeks to appoint a Project Director who will play a dynamic and critical role in the development of this exciting project.

The Project Director will direct the daily operational, construction and design requirements of HIRAX and the telescope site. The Project Director will be responsible for the delivery of telescope sub-systems as per project timelines, financial and contractual management of the project, and the coordination of HIRAX project activities. The role includes the procurement of telescope hardware and building links with industry partners. The incumbent will report directly to the Principal Investigator of the project.
The successful candidate should have a Masters degree in Engineering or a PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, Astronomy or a related discipline, and at least 3 years experience in high-level participation in a scientific project. A broad grasp of scientific project management within an institution of higher learning or a research institution is a key requirement.

The appointment is for a period of 3 years with possible extension. The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 February 2017.