Head of the ESO ALMA Support Centre

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ALMA Operation at ESO is provided through the ESO ALMA Support Centre (EASC) within the Directorate of Operation. For the EASC, ESO is opening the position of the Head of the ESO ALMA Support Centre.

The EASC provides technical off-site support to ALMA Operations through its Technical and Software Support Departments. The EASC organises and manages upgrades and development of future ALMA hardware, software and infrastructure. The EASC provides Science Operations support to the user community and the ALMA Observatory through the European ALMA Regional Centre and its distributed network of nodes. The EASC further works in close collaboration with the ALMA Programme Scientist and the ALMA outreach progamme at ESO and JAO.

The EASC, comprising about 30 staff members at ESO, provides the framework and organisational structure for ALMA Operation within ESO and requires a high-level management by the Head of the EASC.

The Head of EASC is responsible for the day-to-day management of the EASC and is the high-level contact point for all EASC related matters. S/he is the equivalent to the leaders of the North American and East Asian Operations Centres and as such participates in all tri-lateral ALMA meetings of the Heads of ALMA Operations Centres. The Head of EASC is a member of the ALMA Management Team and attends meetings of the ALMA Board and ALMA Budget Committee. The Head of EASC is a member of the ESO Management Team and attends meetings of European Science Advisary Committee (ESAC) and the Scientific Technical Committee (STC). The Head of EASC further manages the European ALMA operations and development budget.

The Head of EASC has the status of a Division Head at ESO and reports to the Director of Operations.

Professional Requirements:

Basic requirements for the position include a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or related fields; a proven record of scientific leadership and at least 10 years of experience in international scientific collaborations. Observational and technical experience in sub-mm radio astronomy would be an asset. Substantial management and leadership experience within a scientific organisation, preferably international, is also required. Excellent communication skills and a very good knowledge of English are essential.

The Head of EASC is a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty and is encouraged and expected to conduct active astronomical research.

Key Competences:

• Thinks strategically, takes effective decisions and provides leadership;
• Able to set goals and has a vision of the future, is flexible and makes timely and appropriate changes to plans as required;
• Seeks to understand the perspective of key decision makers and partners – thinks through their needs and interests to identify their agenda;
• Builds strong and effective links within and outside the organization;
• Demonstrates initiative, pro-activeness and good negotiation skills;
• Works effectively in an international and multi-disciplinary team environment.

Applicants are invited to review the full vacancy notice and apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/.