Head Radio Observatory

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Archive Date: 
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Management
Institution Classification/Type: 
Foreign
Institution/Company: 
ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy
City: 
Dwingeloo
State/Province: 
Drenthe
Country: 
Netherlands
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Are you interested in being part of an international research institute engaged in cutting-edge science? Would you like to be at the forefront of the exploitation of two world-class telescopes, LOFAR and WSRT? Is it your drive to assure high-quality operations and expert support to astronomical teams around the world? We are looking for a

Head Radio Observatory (f/m)

 

Job description:

As Head of the Radio Observatory you will be responsible for all operations and support of the observing facilities and the data archives. Technical and astronomical staff in the department work together and with other groups inside and outside ASTRON to ensure high-quality operations and expert support to astronomical teams around the world. The Radio Observatory staff (35 fte) is organized in three groups (Operations & Maintenance, Science Operations & Support and Operational Software Development). The group leaders will report to you as you will be responsible for the overall vision, strategy and work program of the department.
You will be a member of the ASTRON Management Team and as such have an important role in the continuous improvement of telescope and data analysis capabilities and the definition of future development projects. The coming decade will see ASTRON developing towards a more data-centric organisation. You will position the Radio Observatory in this landscape, together with ASTRON’s R&D department and the Astronomy Group. 

Tasks:

• Ensure the Radio Observatory delivers high quality astronomical data and excellent support services to the international user community;
• Contribute to the long term vision of ASTRON and translate this into a long term strategy for the Radio Observatory department;
• Optimize the operations and performance of the facilities and archives to maximize scientific output;
• Organize the efficient definition and execution of the observing program;
• Manage the Radio Observatory staff and budgets and further the collaboration between the groups in the department and within the rest of ASTRON;
• Communicate with stakeholders in the astronomical community;
• Participate in the acquisition of funding and in exploring novel uses of the facilities.

Job requirements:

• At least ten years experience in operational management, preferably with large scale scientific instruments;
• PhD (or MSc with extended experience) in a relevant science or technology area such as instrumental astronomy, physics, electrical engineering or computer science;
• Experience in the management of international projects;
• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English and Dutch;
• A motivating team player with proven management and leadership skills.

Our offer:

• We offer a contract for two years at first which can change into an indefinite contract after these two years based on good performance and the long term ASTRON vision for the Radio Observatory;
• Besides a pleasant and challenging work environment we have a good package of benefits like a pension plan, group discounts on individual insurances and travel expenses;
• We offer flexible conditions of employment, tailored to your personal situation;
• We offer generous relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation.

The organisation:

ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, is located just outside Dwingeloo, The Netherlands. Our mission is to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen. We are a world-wide leader on the development and exploitation of array antennas for radio astronomy. We have developed and built phased arrays of 100,000+ elements operating between 10 and 250 MHz, and array feeds for the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope in the GHz range. Our research and development aims at continuously improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of this technology for future telescopes, such as the Square Kilometre Array.

Information:

For more information about ASTRON check our website www.jobsatastron.nl. For more information about this vacancy please contact Diana Verweij, Head of HR and Communications, phone: +31 521 595 100 or e-mail: [email protected].

Reactions:

You can apply directly for this job on www.jobsatastron.nl (reference number 2016-03-007). Candidates will be considered immediately, and until the position has been filled; applications received before 1 May will be assured of full consideration. Internal and external recruiting will take place in parallel.

Acquisition based on this vacancy is not appreciated.

 

Included Benefits: 

• Besides a pleasant and challenging work environment we have a good package of benefits like a pension plan, group discounts on individual insurances and travel expenses;
• We offer flexible conditions of employment, tailored to your personal situation;
• We offer generous relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation.

Application Deadline: 
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Diana Verweij
Title: 
Head of HR and Communications
Institution/Company: 
ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
Oude Hoogeveensedijk 4
Street Line 2: 
City: 
Dwingeloo
State/Province: 
Drenthe
Zip/Postal Code: 
7991 PD
Country: 
The Netherlands
Phone: 
0031 521595100
FAX: 
0031 521595101
Inquiries About Job