Parkes Lead Scientist, CSIRO

CSIRO

Location:
Australia, Parkes, Marsfield or Narrabri

Category:
Research and Development

Contract Type:
Employment contract

Salary:

131113.00 - 153639.00 AUD / Year

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Job Description:

Join CSIRO Space & Astronomy as the Parkes Lead Scientist, overseeing the scientific output of the iconic 64-metre Parkes radio telescope, Murriyang—the largest single-dish telescope in the southern hemisphere. With recent and upcoming upgrades including an ultra-wide-band feed and CryoPAF, this role is central to shaping the telescope’s scientific future and supporting its user community.

Job Responsibility:

Build and engage with the national and international user community, including sourcing external paying clients
Develop and manage the Murriyang telescope’s observation schedule, adjusting as needed
Lead scientific commissioning and prioritise upgrades to maintain world-class telescope capabilities
Drive high-impact science using Murriyang to showcase its capabilities
Oversee operations to ensure KPIs are met across user satisfaction, data quality, and availability
Support observatory operations and contribute to outreach activities

Requirements:

A doctorate or equivalent research experience in a relevant field (e.g. Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Engineering)
Proven ability to deliver high-impact science with single-dish radio telescopes, published in peer-reviewed journals
Willingness and ability to spend extended periods in Parkes, work flexible hours, and travel nationally and internationally
Demonstrated skill in designing and executing observations to test radio astronomy instrumentation, and in solving complex technical issues
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting, presenting, negotiating, and influencing key stakeholders
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team to achieve research goals

Nice to have:

Experience with pulsar or spectral line observing programs at centimetre wavelengths
Success in securing new funding or engaging new scientific user communities
Familiarity with Linux-based systems and scripting/programming languages used in radio astronomy
Willingness to reside in or near Parkes

What we offer:

Flexible work arrangements
Generous relocation support
Collaborative, inclusive environment
Work-life balance valued
Up to 15.4% superannuation

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
April 25, 2025

Expiration:
May 18, 2025

Work Type:

On-site work

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Parkes Lead Scientist