Director of Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes La Palma, Canary Islands Full-time position The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) is seeking an experienced scientific Director, to shape and facilitate world-class cutting-edge astronomical research, supported by exceptional staff and facilities, amid a period of significant scientific potential. About the role The Director of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) is responsible for managing the staff and operations of ING within budget constraints to optimise readiness and effectiveness for scientific research. Reporting to the Programmes Executive Director of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Director must ensure efficient resource utilisation, compliance with regulations, and adherence to health and safety standards. Key responsibilities include recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, particularly in senior roles, fostering an inclusive work environment, and supporting professional development. The Director will coordinate resources for optimal efficiency, operating within financial limits, and developing an annual budget for ING Board approval. Long-term vision development, effective communication with various stakeholders, and maintaining relations with the ING users, host communities, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), and the Comite Cientifico Internacional (CCI) of the Canarian Observatories, are crucial aspects of the role. Additionally, maintaining a high profile for ING through national and international public engagement is a key priority. Please visit the candidate prospectus for further information on the role, responsibilities and requirements, or request a copy via email to ****** About us The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) is located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, Spain, housing the 4.2-meter William Herschel Telescope (WHT) and the 2.5-meter Isaac Newton Telescope (INT). Both telescopes are undergoing enhancements, with the introduction of the cutting-edge multi-fibre spectrograph, WEAVE , for the WHT. WEAVE, featuring high-multiplex MOS as well as a large-area IFU at high spectral resolving power, has started science operations in 2023, with MOS survey activities scheduled for late 2024. Simultaneously, the INT is preparing for advancements with the construction of HARPS3 , a high-stability echelle spectrograph, expected to achieve first light in 2025. The ING operates under the coordination of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO), and I nstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). The collaborative effort ensures shared operation and observing time allocation on ING telescopes. Oversight is provided by the ING Board, comprising scientists and representatives from the funding agencies of the partner countries. The core functions of ING include delivering effective telescope operations, facilitating world-class astronomical research by the astronomical communities of the partner countries, establishing the telescopes as world-class and internationally competitive, and pursuing top-quality astronomical research and training in observational astronomy. About you We understand that individuals might hesitate to submit an application if they don't meet each of the criteria. If you're enthusiastic about joining our organisation and possess a majority of the skills or experience, we encourage you to proceed with an application. We recognise that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our work environment and therefore actively welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. The successful applicant must be an astronomer with a proven track record of achievement in their field, as well as managerial experience in the operation of a research group or research facility, including financial budgeting and control. Candidates will also be assessed against the following criteria throughout the recruitment process: the leadership and communication skills to manage international and multi-disciplinary teams in a highly demanding environment, where complex problems have to be diagnosed and solved against very tight deadlines while maintaining a 365 day per year operational service; awareness of the cultural differences between the three partner countries funding the ING operations; a sense of vision, commitment and purpose to lead the longer-term future of the ING, this should include awareness of the developments in astronomical research and of the capabilities of other international Observatories; good knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable; if necessary, intensive language training will be provided prior to taking up the appointment. The successful candidate will be required and must be able to work at an altitude of 2400m. Benefits This position offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including: 23 days' annual leave plus public holidays, flexible working hours, private medical insurance, advanced payment of salary, enhanced sick pay and payment in-kind. Applications To apply, please send a completed application form in English, available here , by email to ****** . The closing date for applications is on 18 th August 2024, 23:29h WEST. Interviews are expected to take place in September 2024 in La Palma. Information related to the terms and conditions of this post is available from ING's Head of Administration, Juanjo Herrera: ****** Further information on this position is available from the current Director, Marc Balcells: ****** ING is fully committed to equality of opportunity in the workplace. Contractual information This is a permanent, full-time position regulated by the bargaining agreement between the ING and its local staff, based in La Palma. Candidates should be available to take up the position by 1 st January 2025 if possible. However, this date is negotiable. The appointment will be at Grade I, according to the ING Salary Pay Scale. The starting basic gross salary is €80,044.68 per annum which is subject to Spanish income tax and social security deductions. After the first year, the salary will increase to €84,257.92 per annum. An additional allowance may also be offered of up to €34,000.00, dependent on skills and experience.
