Senior Project Manager

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Applications are invited for a Senior Project Manager to manage the spectrograph work package.

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 3 years, with a likely extension till the spectrographs are delivered.

HARMONI is the first light spectrograph for the ELT, providing visible and near-infrared integral field spectroscopy, assisted by laser star and natural star adaptive optics. Oxford has a leadership role in building the HARMONI instrument, including responsibility for the design and development (incl. cryogenics testing) of four spectrograph units that form the core of the HARMONI integral field spectrograph (IFS).

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager who will be the "Institute Project Manager" for the spectrograph work package, with responsibility for the design, assembly, integration and delivery of the four spectrograph units to the IFS integration site in Edinburgh.

You will provide day-to-day supervision and guidance for a team of optics specialists, systems engineers, mechanical engineers, workshop technicians, cryogenics specialists and DPhil students who will be engaged with the detailed design, component procurement, assembly, integration and testing of the spectrograph units. You will be assisted by the HARMONI Project Administrator, and by specialist services in the Oxford Physics department (e.g. Personnel, Finance) and the University administration (e.g. tendering, contracts, VAT/duties).

In addition, you will provide frequent reports to the HARMONI project office on technical progress, and quarterly formal reports to the European Southern Observatory. You will be responsible for managing the schedule, and the hardware procurements, including budgets. Quarterly financial reporting of spend (both effort and cash) is also required for both ESO and the UK Funding Agency.

Applicants should possess a Masters degree (min 2:1 qualification) in physics, astronomy or engineering or equivalent qualification and experience in technical project management.

Candidates should have significant experience in carrying out a project management role (preferably for an astronomy instrumentation project or at least in an engineering environment), including working with international partners. We are looking for proven expertise in all areas of project management, including project planning, financial reporting, technical reporting, procurement management and liaison with external vendors.

The successful candidate should demonstrate leadership qualities, excellent communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and have knowledge of, and exposure to, systems engineering process in an instrument/product development context.

The postholder will have the opportunity to help with teaching, provided they can demonstrate that they possess the necessary qualifications and skills.

You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on 31 January 2020 can be considered. 

Please click the APPLY NOW button to apply.