Senior Project Manager for HARMONI – the ELT’s integral field spectrograph

Senior Project Manager for HARMONI – the ELT’s integral field spectrograph

Denys Wilkinson Building, Dept. of Physics, Keble Rd, Oxford OX1 3RH

Applications are invited for a Senior Project Manager to manage the spectrograph work package for HARMONI - the ELT’s integral field spectrograph.

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 delivery of the four spectrograph units to the IFS integration site in Edinburgh. This is an exciting opportunity to join an international collaboration that will provide the first-light spectrograph for the world’s largest telescope in its early years.

You will be responsible for, and provide day-to-day line management for a team of optics specialists, systems engineers, mechanical engineers, workshop technicians, and cryogenics specialists who will be engaged with the detailed design, component procurement, assembly, integration and testing of the spectrograph units. You will be assisted by the Oxford 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.

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants should possess a good 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.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Dr Matthias Tecza:

This is a full-time post on fixed term basis for 3 years.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK Local) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

Interviews will be held on Thursday, 15 May and Friday, 16 May 2025.

The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background.

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

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