Chief Scientist
At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
Chief Scientist
Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2029, although science verification is expected to begin with a subset of the telescopes in 2027.
Following the planned retirement of the incumbent Director of Science, SKAO is seeking a Chief Scientist. This is a rare opportunity to play a major, leading role in one of the iconic global scientific facilities of the 21st Century.
The Chief Scientist will have a strong record of astronomical research, a deep understanding of modern, state-of-the art astronomical facilities with extensive experience of radio astronomy interferometry. The appointee must be globally recognised as a leading researcher in their field, and have a demonstrable record of shaping scientific thinking across a broad community. They will be expected to communicate well and effectively across the Observatory and the SKAO’s science community.
The Role
The Chief Scientist will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK, and will be part of the executive team reporting to the Director-General. International travel will be required.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
The Chief Scientist will:
- Champion the scientific capabilities and accomplishments of the SKA Observatory;
- Be the primary face of science to the SKAO science community, the SKAO Council, and to the Science and Engineering Advisory Committee, and be responsible for actively shaping the Observatory science strategy;
- Have responsibility for the co-ordination of the scientific priorities for the SKA Observatory Development Plan, and the development of the Science Roadmap (through consultation including community workshops with the science community and expert advisory groups);
- Act as the Science “Head of Profession” for the Observatory:
- Mentoring scientific staff (all PhD scientists with a research component to their role), cultivating their professional growth and participating in promotion reviews; and
- Advocating for the scientific interests and research time of all scientific staff;
- Work with the Director of Operations to maximise the overall scientific return of the Observatory;
- Effectively promote the values and culture of the SKA Observatory, within the Observatory, in relations with partner organisations and in the global SKA scientific community;
- Establish and oversee an SKAO post-doctoral research programme;
- Conduct their own independent research.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- A PhD in astronomy or physics and an international reputation in astronomy;
- A strong track record of research in astronomy;
- An understanding of the science enabled by the SKAO, with in depth knowledge of the environment and context for developing SKAO as an advanced scientific facility;
- A deep technical understanding of astronomical techniques, including extensive experience of radio interferometry;
- A track record of leadership with scientific research groups;
- A strategic thinker, with a track record of working across international, diplomatic and cultural boundaries to build commitment to a common science strategic vision;
- Advanced communication and influencing skills demonstrating an ability to build consensus within diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting views;
- A track record of acting as a role model and building an environment that supports organisational values, including a demonstrable commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with the SKA project;
- High-level experience of operating in large-scale international scientific organisations and/or observatories.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.