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

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.





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:
matthias.tecza@physics.ox.ac.uk





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.