Project Manager NOVA

The NOVA Optical Infrared instrumentation Group at ASTRON in Dwingeloo develops world-class optical and infrared astronomical instruments for telescopes at major international observatories. We do this in close collaboration with astronomers at the NOVA universities of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden and Nijmegen, and with our extensive network of industrial partners. Our primary goal for the upcoming years is designing, building and testing various instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (Description on the website of the European Southern Observatory: elt.eso.org). The development of these new instruments builds on the long heritage of the group, which includes instrument development for ESO’s Very Large Telescope, and the NASA-ESA James Webb Space Telescope. In the coming years, we will also start feasibility studies and development for several new projects, for both ground-based and space telescopes.

The NOVA Optical Infrared Instrumentation Group is compact and agile, consisting of about 35 highly skilled professionals, and yet covers all phases of instrument development: From feasibility studies through design & construction, all the way to testing and commissioning at the telescope. It does this across all relevant disciplines, from optical and mechanical through thermal control to control electronics and software. For this unique and innovative group we are currently searching for a

                                                                          Project Manager (f,m,x) ;

                                                                                   0,8 – 1,0 fte

In this assignment you will manage the development one or more instruments, among which entirely new instruments newly funded by NOVA and/or one of the three first-generation instruments for the European Extremely Large Telescope. Depending on the project phase you will plan and manage the concept phase, design work, manufacture, integration and testing of the (sub)system, now entering its critical phase. You will steer a team of engineers in different disciplines. You will maintain a good connection with the international project office and make sure the subsystem activities are aligned with the efforts at the system level.

Besides this main activity, you will participate in creating/improving the NOVA project management toolkit now that NOVA has become a permanent organization.

You will have the exciting opportunity to engage in the following:

• Strategic planning and control of the project budget, cost and schedule
• Defining and prioritizing the work activities for the team, monitoring progress and providing guidance to the team.
• Responsibility for the risk register.
• Where applicable, managing hardware procurements at suppliers and other project partners, including delivery schedules.
• Collaborates closely with the system engineer on all technical aspects, as well as with PA/QA, scheduling, finance.
• Reporting project status to team and various stakeholders.
• Providing regular progress reports to the NOVA management and the NOVA Instrument Steering Committee.
• Together with other project managers and NOVA management, work to further strengthen and professionalise the project organisation of the group.

Calling all talented Project Managers who:

• Have a master’s degree, preferably in engineering, physics, astronomy or equivalent experience
• Have 5+ years relevant experience in project management including schedule development and tracking (preferably using MS Project) and directing work priorities to teams of 5-10
• Have experience in working in multi-national, interdisciplinary teams consisting of engineers and scientists
• Have experience in subcontracting to external (large and small) suppliers
• Have experience in optical instrumentation (infrared, cryogenics and/or astronomical instrumentation is a plus)
• Have experience in advising the line organization regarding issues, opportunities and improvements
• Have a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification (is desirable)
• Have proficient oral, written and interpersonal communications skills in English and Dutch

Competences and skills:

• Positive motivator and collaborator
• Communicative and social
• Result driven
• Decisive and convincing

What you can expect from us

• Opportunities and encouragement to grow and develop yourself and your career.
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment in a beautiful office in the heart of one of Drenthe's National Parks.
• A temporary contract for 32-40 hours per week. Contract duration is to be determined, and at least one year.
• A gross monthly salary of € 4.655 to € 7.280 (scale 11-12), based on a 40 hour work week
• A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.33% of the gross annual salary, plus a solid pension scheme (ABP) and a generous relocation expenses
• We offer flexible conditions of employment, tailored to your personal situation.

The working location will mainly be in Dwingeloo with the NOVA OIR group, and involves regular visits to other NOVA locations in The Netherlands (mainly Leiden) as well as international visits to project partners (in Europe and Taiwan), conferences and telescope facilities.

We strongly believe that progress, creativity and innovation is only possible in an inclusive and diverse environment. Therefore, we value the unique skills and qualities you bring to the table. While we appreciate a range of expertise, please note that not ticking all the boxes does not diminish our interest in your application. Therefore, we warmly welcome everyone and in particular women and individuals from under-represented groups to apply.

Information:

For information about the content of this vacancy, please contact Michiel Kregel (Group Lead, [email protected] +31 6 52011346). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact P&O via [email protected].  

To discover first-hand experiences from colleagues who enjoy working at ASTRON, click on this link.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.