Head of Project Science Strategy

UK Research and Innovation; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 76,000; Full time

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: Band G (S2) £75,382 per annum

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Open Ended

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh

The UK ATC is the UK's national centre of expertise for the design and delivery of world-class astronomical instrumentation. We are involved in a wide range of instrumentation projects for current and future major ground- and space-based astronomical facilities, including ESO's VLT and ELT, ALMA, ESA's LISA, and the SKA.

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is seeking an experienced astronomer to join our leadership team as Head of Project Science Strategy (HPSS). This critical role will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of international astronomy through the development of world-leading astronomical instrumentation.

As HPSS, you will report to the UK ATC Director and work collaboratively with other members of the Senior Management Team to:

1. Identify and develop new strategic opportunities for science instrumentation.
2. Develop the UK ATC's strategic roadmap to ensure alignment with both national and international research priorities, and implement UK ATC's strategic delivery plan.

In this role, you will actively engage with the UK and international astronomical communities, forging and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies, to support current and future projects.

As a scientist, you will also lead and manage the UK ATC's Project Science Group and are expected to maintain an active research programme, ideally with connection to the instrumentation projects under development at the UK ATC.

Person Specification

• A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in multi-disciplinary astronomical instrumentation, including experience leading collaborative, cross-institutional projects.
• A proven track record of leadership in research, strategic planning, or programme delivery within an academic or technology-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability and credibility to build consensus and sustain effective partnerships.
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy together with the capability and flexibility to work well within a team as projects demand.
• A high-level understanding of the strategic needs and priorities of STFC, UKRI and relevant stakeholders within the field of international astronomy.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• A CV (2 pages max)
• A cover letter (2 pages max) outlining your reasons for applying, your vision for the role, and your research interests.

The UK ATC is committed to promoting diversity and equality in science and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

For more information about the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process.