Director of ASTRON

ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, is a world leader in radio astronomy with a strong track record in research, technology, and telescope operations. Our scientific endeavors focus on galaxy evolution, radio transients, cosmology, and fundamental physics.

ASTRON embarks on a pivotal transformation with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) envolving into LOFAR ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium), hosted by the Netherlands. LOFAR’s vibrant international community continues to produce high-impact discoveries, and major upgrades are underway for the next decade. ASTRON is also the national contact point for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory and will host one of its SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet) nodes, linking Dutch, European, and global radio communities.

Our Science Data Centre delivers data and analysis pipelines for LOFAR and the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT). With the final WSRT survey nearing completion, new directions for the site are being explored.

The Role
ASTRON is in search of a Director with a clear strategic vision for radio astronomy within the broader astrophysical landscape. The Director has overall scientific, strategic, and operational responsibility for the institute, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and inspiring work environment. Supported by a dedicated management team, the Director will also represents ASTRON nationally and internationally through the SKA, LOFAR ERIC, JIVE ERIC, and the National Council for Astronomy.

• Strategic thinker with a vision for LOFAR, SKA, and the future radio astronomy.
• Proven leadership experience in scientific, technological, or organizational settings.
• Ability to position ASTRON as a key player in in global radio astronomy within  scientific, technological, and political spheres.
• Represent the binding factor in the organisation, can motivate and stimulate people in a collaborative and inclusive spirit.
• Understanding of astronomical instrumentation is essential.
• Experience in the strategic and operational aspects of an observatory is beneficial.

An employment contract will be offered for an indefinite period, with an initial term of five years, extendable by another five years. This role is classified under salary scale 18, CAO WVOI, with excellent benefits including 42 days of leave, flexible working hours and robust pension contributions (ABP). The position is based in Dwingeloo.

ASTRON is the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, ASTRON is part of the institutes organisation of NWO. Our mission is to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen. We do this by developing new and innovative technologies, operating world-class radio astronomy facilities, and pursuing fundamental astronomical research. Read more about ASTRON on the ASTRON website.

For more information, please visit: http://www.werkenbijastron.nl/en/working-at-astron/ or contact Prof. Marcel Levi, president of the NWO-I Board and chair of the selection committee (m.levi@nwo.nl) or ASTRON management team member Roelien Attema (attema@astron.nl). For inquiries about the procedure, please reach out to Henk Tamsma, head of HR at NWO-I (h.tamsma@nwo-i.nl, +31-6-16049639).