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European Astronomical Society
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| Director for Science | Closing date: 2024-06-07
Contact: ESO Human Resources |
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world?s most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities.
For the definition, planning, management and execution of its scientific programme, ESO is advertising the position of Director for Science at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
| | ▸ more | Reporting directly to the Director General, the Director for Science (DfS) provides the scientific drive of ESO?s programme. The DfS is responsible for maintaining a vibrant scientific environment at ESO and coordinates and manages all scientific aspects, including educational ones, of ESO's activities and is accountable for their execution. As a member of the ESO Directors? Team the DfS works closely with the Director General and with the other Directors (both bi-laterally and as a team) in the development of overall policy and strategic planning across the Organisation. As a collaborative and inspirational manager and leader, the DfS empowers their staff in carrying out ESO?s objectives.
The Director for Science reports as required to the ESO Council (main governing body of ESO) and is the primary point of contact with the Scientific Technical Committee and its sub-committees. The DfS ensures a lively and close liaison between the organisation and the scientific community at large, represents ESO in international scientific forums and participates in conferences and special events. As an active scientist and Full Astronomer of the ESO Astronomy Faculty the DfS maintains personal scientific and technical contacts internationally at the highest level.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
_Work together with the Director General and the other Directors to develop and implement ESO-wide policies and strategies aimed at delivering ESO?s objectives;
_Take a leading role in the development of science-related strategies, plans and policies;
_Provide scientific leadership on ESO?s Programme, its facilities and activities, according to the Organisation?s strategic framework;
_Provide visible and proactive management and leadership to the Science Directorate, comprising approximately 120 members of personnel, including ca. 70 Students and Fellows;
_Maintain and further develop an active and attractive scientific environment at ESO, by supporting efforts of all ESO?s scientific staff, postdoctoral fellows and students to carry out scientific research at the highest international level and support the Faculty according to the ESO Astronomer Charter;
_With the support from the Programme Scientists, liaise constructively with the astronomical community around ESO?s Programmes and activities;
_Ensure compliance with science requirements and provide scientific support in projects under development through the Project and Programme Scientists;
_Ensure smooth and comprehensive preparation for and operation of the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Observing Programmes Committee;
_Report to Council and internal and external committees on ESO Science as required and to the astronomical community at large via conferences and special events;
_Support international relations activities and represent ESO in international forums as needed;
_Conduct internationally recognised high-quality personal astronomy research, preferably using ESO?s facilities.
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential competences and experience include:
_More than 10 years postdoctoral experience;
_Outstanding scientific credentials, including the use of ESO?s or similar astronomical facilities across the wavelength spectrum;
_Successful experience in science management;
_Successful experience in managing / supervising people and teams;
_Excellent leadership qualities, inspiring colleagues inside the team and beyond;
_Evidence of outstanding teamwork skills both at peer level as well as with the reporting colleagues;
_Able to set aside individual needs in support of the strategic and operational needs of ESO;
_Able to constructively suggest improvements to established ways of working to create positive change;
_Evidence of delivering to required standards, on time and optimising resources;
_Expresses self in a clear, concise and structured manner and possesses outstanding communication and diplomatic skills.
Desirable competencies and experience, which are not mandatory, but will be considered an asset:
_Experience in similar roles in organisations developing or operating Research Infrastructures;
_High-level liaison and representation experience with major national and international scientific bodies;
_Experience of supporting / contributing to wider organisational initiatives as e.g. strategy and planning, mentoring and coaching, diversity, equity and inclusion programmes;
_Experience of working in a multi-cultural and international context.
The position requires a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or related fields. Evidence of continuing professional development, e.g. in leadership or management, will be an asset. An excellent command of the English language, both oral and written is essential for the role.
The role requires regular trips to the ESO sites in Chile.
If you meet our criteria of a top-level, internationally recognised scientist and are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit https://www.eso.org for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org which provides additional information regarding this position. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and full Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a publication list and a research plan. Also required are the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and international scientific standing and willing to provide a reference letter upon request.
The closing date for applications is 7 June 2024. Panel interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held around September / October 2024 in Garching near Munich. Applicants may be required to participate in assessment activities as part of the selection process.
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