Project Manager (m/w/d)

The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) will be the world’s largest and most sensitive ground-based gamma-ray observatory. With a telescope array site in each hemisphere, one on La Palma (Spain) and one in Paranal (Chile), it will cover the full night sky, detecting high-energy radiation from the Universe with unprecedented accuracy and sensitivity. Continental Europe will host its headquarters in Bologna (Italy) and the Science Data Management Centre (SDMC) in Zeuthen (Germany).

The Observatory is funded through a combination of in-kind-contributions and directly funded efforts, with more than 10 countries actively participating as shareholders, and more than 150 institutions from 25 countries taking part in the project. The CTAO was promoted to a “Landmark” on the European Forum on Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) Roadmap 2018, and was ranked as the main priority among the new ground-based infrastructures in the ASTRONET Roadmap 2022-2035.

The CTAO is now entering the construction phase of the project heralding increased levels of support, infrastructure development, telescope assembly integration and test with associated organizational growth. We are looking for a strong Project Manager to lead the team to success as part of the CTAO executive management.

Your key responsibilities:

• Organize, direct and control the activities necessary to build and commission the CTAO and to prepare operation of the CTA Observatory so that the project technical, cost and schedule objectives are met.
• Lead the CTAO Project Office and delegate tasks and responsibilities to the Task and Element Managers as necessary.
• Develop and update the Project Plan, including budget and Cost Book, Risk Register, integrated schedule and technical goals, annually or as required.
• Manage the technical progress, cost and schedule of the project using formal management techniques working with Task Managers and In-Kind Contributors.
• Prepare progress reports for the CTAO Director and Council as required.
• Manage In-Kind Contribution and Hosting Agreements, that define the contractual obligations of contributors and hosting sites respectfully.
• Chair the CTAO Configuration Control and Risk Management Boards.

You'll be reporting to: CTAO Director General

Your duty station: Bologna, Italy. Travel to CTAO sites, locations of in-kind contributor teams in Europe and occasionally to Asia, the Americas and Australia is required.

What we offer: CTAO offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and benefits package. The contract is a 5-year contract with the chance of renewal. Currently, Italy is offering attractive tax benefits for researches and workers moving their residence as part of the overall goal to make the country an international leader in science.

How to apply: Send your CV and cover letter in English to ctao-recruitment@cta-observatory.org, indicating the position “Project Manager” and the names of two referees with contact details. For more information on the advertised position please contact the Director General, Stuart McMuldroch: stuart.mcmuldroch@cta-observatory.org.

CTAO is an equal opportunity employer and accepts applications without distinction on the grounds of age, race, political, philosophical or religious conviction, gender or sexual orientation and regardless of disabilities, marital status or family situation.

Deadline for application: 30th November 2023

For more information on CTAO please visit www.cta-observatory.org

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Your skills:

• University degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or equivalent.
• Extensive project management experience at a senior level in an international organisation, public body, or multinational company, with a record of successful project management outcomes.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams of scientists, engineers, and administrators developing scientific research infrastructures.
• Experience with consortia/in-kind contribution funding models is highly desirable.
• Experience with formal cost and schedule control techniques, such as Earned Value Management and Monte Carlo analysis, is highly desirable.
• Experience with large international construction projects involving high-tech as well as civil construction at remote sites is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements and be able to implement a tailored management approach to accommodate cost constraints.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills to accommodate stakeholder interests and facilitate collaboration with contributors.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish will be a significant advantage.