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

• Identify and develop new strategic opportunities for science instrumentation.
• 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., UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.


• 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
  
  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.,
• A cover letter (2 pages max) outlining your reasons for applying, your vision for the role, and your research interests.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another. As one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there's always something new to learn - about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what's possible. About the UK ATC Located at the historic Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, the UK ATC collaborates closely with UK university partners and international organisations to design, develop and deliver transformative instrumentation and software for major worldwide astronomical facilities. At the UK ATC, we support UK astronomy community by:
• Leading research and development in cutting-edge instrumentation.
• Maintaining expertise in critical engineering and technical areas, while fostering the long-term career development of our staff.
• Shaping the future of astronomy through strategic partnerships with UK and international partners.
The UK ATC is committed to promoting diversity and equality in science and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Find out more about the UK Astronomy Technology Centre. 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. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel. 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. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating., UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) 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.