Head of Operations, ATNF

Head of Operations, ATNF

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The opportunity

• Work for Australia’s National Science Agency
• Contribute to the global effort to understand our universe
• Complex infrastructure management of a portfolio of telescope facilities

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

About the Australia Telescope National Facility 

With over 350 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation.

The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade. 

The ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe.  

The role

Reporting to the ATNF Program Director, the ATNF Head of Operations is responsible for the operational excellence of the ATNF telescopes (ASKAP, Murriyang, and the Australia Telescope Compact Array) and associated activities, including visitor centres and accommodation, revenue and asset management.  You will lead the diverse ATNF Operations group including site leaders, the computing infrastructure team and visitor centres & accommodation teams and collaborate with the ATNF leadership team to strategically deploy personnel.

You will play a key role in coordinating staff deployment across projects and operations, working closely with the ATNF leadership team. As a leader of health, safety & environment and champion of diversity and inclusion, you will develop initiatives that promote a vibrant and supportive workplace, ensuring safety and sustainability are prioritised.

Collaboration is key, and you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and the CSIRO IT team, to build strong partnerships. 

This is your opportunity to apply your infrastructure management expertise and lead world-class radio astronomy facilities, where the associated technology and instrumentation is amongst the best globally.  

Note, we are also recruiting the ATNF Program Director that this role reports to as well as the wider ATNF leadership team, so please ensure you share with your relevant networks. 

• Head of Science
• Head of Software & Scientific Computing
• Head of Instrumentation
• Chief Engineer 
• Chief Scientist
• Chief Technologist

Location: Consideration given to Sydney (Marsfield), Perth (Kensington), Geraldton, Parkes or Narrabri

Salary: Attractive salary package plus 15.4% superannuation, negotiable for the right candidate

Tenure: Specified term of five years with the possibility of an underlying indefinite research appointment. Full-time.

Reference: 97636

About you

We are seeking a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader who has:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated infrastructure management expertise (including procurement and facility lifecycle management) in a research environment.
• Experience in leading a high-performance culture in a research environment/organisation, including the integration of Health, Safety & Environment and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion into normal business processes.
• Experience of financial management (including but not limited to) budgeting, forecasting and resource management.
• A demonstrated record of adherence to professional ethics and conduct, including professional and respectful workplace behaviour.
• A willingness and ability to travel interstate, as required.
• Desired: experience or qualifications in radio astronomy.

For a detailed overview of the role and responsibilities, please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications are open to all candidates who meet the requirements of the role. (VISA sponsorship will be provided to the successful candidate as required). 

Note: the successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Police Clearance or equivalent and there may be other security/medical/character clearance requirements. 

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Find out more about our approach to work-life balance.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Applications close

Wednesday 4 September 2024, 11.59pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)