Director, Research and Development

The role

The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA), part of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), invites applications for Director, Research and Development, to lead our Radio Astronomy group. 
 

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape Canada’s future in radio astronomy science and technology. Based at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), near Penticton, BC, with this appointment you will:

• Shape astronomy infrastructure and policy at the national and international levels.
• Supervise, lead, and work with HAA’s world-leading scientists, engineers, and data experts, including radio astronomy staff at both DRAO and HAA’s headquarters near Victoria, BC.Select, train and develop staff capable of meeting current organizational needs and future requirements of DRAO Operations; set goals for, evaluate and address staff performance.
• Working closely with your fellow HAA Directors of Astronomy Technology, Optical Astronomy, and Operations:
  • Advise the HAA Director General on promising future initiatives and technologies.
  • Assist in the preparation and review of the HAA multi-year program plan.
• Support national and international community engagement to take full advantage of Canada’s investments in international (SKA, ALMA) and domestic radio observatories.
• Prepare for the transformative science that future radio telescopes such as the SKA, CHORD, ALMA WSU2030, and ngVLA will deliver.
• Identify and pursue collaborative opportunities and partnerships with academic and government entities.
• Foster collaborative research with Canadian universities, including the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in nearby Kelowna, BC, contributing to the training of the next generation of Canadian radio astronomers.
• Serve as site director for DRAO, Canada’s national radio observatory:
  • Manage the extensive site, which hosts many of Canada’s most important domestic radio facilities, including CHIME, CGEM, and CHORD; HAA is a full partner in the latter and is fabricating on-site the (512) HAA-designed 6-m dishes for the core array, currently under construction at DRAO.
  • Operate and maintain Canada’s national open-access radio astronomy telescopes – John A. Galt 26-m Telescope, Synthesis Telescope, Solar Radio Flux Monitor – which are all located at DRAO and currently undergoing major upgrades.
  • Ensure that the site is protected from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) through appropriate site policies and procedures, and interactions with neighbours and all levels of government to ensure external RFI-sources are minimized.
  • Promote use of DRAO’s diverse R&D labs for the design, fabrication, and characterization of radio components including feeds, receivers, digital signal processors, and antennas. These include a Hot/Cold Test Facility, a Reverberation Chamber, an RFI-shielded and ESD-protected digital lab, and areas dedicated to the development, production, and testing of composite antennas.
• Ensure that projects are planned and completed within established controls and according to HAA priorities and policies.
• Ensure proactive compliance with NRC and government safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Enjoy flexibility and balance, with family-friendly work arrangements, in a scenic, outdoor-oriented region with an excellent quality of life.
• Benefit from comprehensive federal employee benefits, including health and dental coverage, pension plans, and generous leave.

We seek individuals who are:

• Passionate advocates for radio astronomy and for DRAO.
• Scientific and technical leaders with a vision for the future.
• Strong believers in supporting the astronomical community.
• Proven managers of scientific and technical personnel with a record of success in major projects and/or at major scientific institutions.
• Excellent spoken and written communicators, able both to inspire staff experts, and to advocate effectively for HAA within the broader local, national, and international communities.
• Experienced in radio astronomy.
• Excited to help shape the future of radio astronomy in Canada.

Education

Graduate degree in radio astronomy, radio engineering, or a related field, from a recognized university.  

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency