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| Head of the Data Management and Operations Division | Closing date: 2025-08-17
Contact: Evelina Dietmann |
| Within the Directorate of Operations at our Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of Head of the Data Management and Operations Division | | ▸ more | The Directorate of Operations (DoO) is responsible for all science operations-related activities including the preparation and execution of observing programmes, the operation of the La Silla Paranal Observatory (LPO), the off-site operation of the ALMA Observatory in the European region through the ESO ALMA Support Centre (EASC). The DoO further provides user support, data flow management, operations technical support, and the development and maintenance of a science archive through its Data Management and Operations (DMO) Division. The Science Archive Facility (SAF) holds all data obtained with ESO's observatories as well as highly processed, advanced products derived from them, and is responsible for their preservation, curation and delivery.
We are looking for someone who can lead the Data Management and Operations (DMO) Division through the next exciting stage of its development with the integration of the ELT into our end-to-end science operations model and the continued enhancement of our science-archive services. By building on our success to date you will become the next leader of our scientific data-management infrastructure working in close collaboration with our scientific community.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
As Head of the DMO Division you will be responsible for
-the functioning of ESO's end-to-end science operations model including fostering a close integration with the La Silla Paranal Observatory;
-the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the DMO Division delivering scientific data of highest quality and quantity to the scientific community through ESO's Science Archive Facility;
-the management and safety of some 30 staff astronomers, scientists, and engineers;
-developing an annual resource plan for review and approval and ensuring its execution;
-recruiting and maintaining high quality scientific, technical, and administrative staff;
-developing short- to long-term development plans for the DMO Division;
-setting the overall goals, priorities, and strategies within DMO for all operational and development aspects in consultation with the respective
Programme Scientists;
-managing the organisational change implied by the transition of DMO into the ELT era;
-reporting on the performance and development of the DMO to ESO's governing and advisory bodies.
As Head of the DMO Division you will further act as the Programme Manager for the Data-Flow System (DFS) Development Programme and will be the interface to all other programmes and organisational units at ESO. In this respect, the development of the end-to-end science operations model in response to ESO's operational needs and in particular the preparation for the future operation of the Paranal Observatory with the VLT and the ELT will be your highest priority.
As a Senior Astronomer you are a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty and will be encouraged and expected to conduct an active astronomical research programme for up to 50% of your time.
The Head of DMO has the status of a Division Head at ESO and reports to the Director of Operations.
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
-A proven record of at least 15 years of active research;
-A proven record of at least 10 years of experience in management and leadership in a scientific organization, preferably in an international setting; your management experience must encompass budget, resource and staff management;
-Thinks strategically, takes effective decisions and provides leadership including during periods of change;
-Able to set goals and has a vision of the future, is flexible and makes timely and appropriate changes to plans as required;
-Political awareness, the ability to influence, and to manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
-Seeks to understand the perspective of key decision makers and partners;
-Builds strong and effective links within and outside the organisation leveraging emotional intelligence and other soft skills as necessary;
-Demonstrates initiative, pro-activeness and effective negotiation skills;
-Excellent communication skills;
-Works effectively in an international and multi-disciplinary/multi-cultural team environment.
Desirable Competences and Experience
-Experience in management of end-to-end scientific dataflows;
-Experience in management of software development projects;
-Observational and technical experience in optical astronomy.
Qualifications:
PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or related fields.
Language skills:
The position requires an excellent command of written and spoken English.
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV a publication list and a full research statement.
Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Deadline for applications is 17 August 2025.
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