At the SKA Observatory (SKAO), we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation, and support human capital development. More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKAO project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes and spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide. Our Global HQ is located at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site close to the vibrant city of Manchester. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Professor Phil Diamond’s term as Director General of SKAO ends in May 2026. SKAO Council is now seeking to appoint its new Director-General. The Director-General acts as the Chief Executive Officer of the SKAO and as its legal representative, with responsibility for delivering the Observatory’s mission and high level strategic objectives. They will provide overall strategic leadership, direction and management of the SKAO and its staff to ensure the successful global delivery of the construction and operation phases.
The Director-General will have a distinguished profile in disciplinary areas associated with the SKAO. They will be an outstanding leader, ambassador and advocate, with a proven track record of working across academia, government, and civic society. They will have demonstrable experience of leading large organisations or programmes across a complex stakeholder environment, and will exercise project, operational, and financial authority of the SKAO.
They will bring a deep-rooted belief in the work of the SKAO, and have the reputation, confidence and experience to lead the Observatory. The successful candidate must demonstrate the personal presence, authority and credibility to be the ‘face and voice’ of the Observatory, and to build effective relationships with a wide range of international audiences.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a significant project on behalf of the international scientific community. For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/92574.
Applications are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than close of business on Monday 10 March 2025.
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda. Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background. Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. SKA Observatory welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.
#J-18808-Ljbffr