Director, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing

About Swinburne
Swinburne is a progressive university that aims to increase Australia’s capacity in science, technology and innovation as the drivers of modern, internationalised economies and workplaces. Our university is focused on high-impact global research, high-quality teaching and active engagement with both industry and the community.

The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) is dedicated to inspiring a fascination in the universe through research and education. We aim to understand how the universe around us came to be and determine the nature of the physical laws making it work. By pursuing this work we will enable technology development, train the next generation of physical scientists and inspire the public. One of the largest astrophysics centre in Australia with 40 academic and research staff and over 35 PhD students, we operate a significant supercomputing facility and a virtual reality theatre; we have direct access to the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes in Hawaii; and we focus on problems in astrophysics that benefit from these resources. The centre delivers a strong public outreach and education program, and unique internet-based education initiatives. Our approach of broadening our funding base through a combination of traditional research grants, commercial work, online teaching and university support, has led to spectacular growth.

The Centre is located in the School of Science, which is part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (FSET). The Director reports directly to the Pro Vice-Chancellor of FSET, and because the Centre receives significant amounts of funding from Swinburne Research also reports on this to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Development.

About the job
The Director of CAS is responsible for providing academic and research leadership, as well as managing all aspects of the internationally renowned research centre’s operations and development. Promoting innovation and excellence in research and achievement the Director will strengthen and/or complement the research areas in the Centre and generate high quality research output and attract significant external funding. Through academic leadership the Director will also foster research of other groups and individuals within the Centre and across the wider Faculty/University.

About you
To be suitable you will be PhD qualified with an international leading research record in astrophysics and a track record of generation of research income from external agencies, government and/or industry. As an outstanding leader you will have a demonstrated experience in academic leadership and growth mindset of developing early career researchers. With a proven ability to lead interdisciplinary research you will ideally have experience in developing and maintaining external links with business, community and industry.
Benefits

To Apply 
To start an application click on 'apply' at the bottom of this page and submit a resume, cover letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the Position Description.

For further information about the position, please contact Katrina Spence (Execuitve Recruiter) via kspence@swin.edu.au.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Recruitment team on +61 3 9214 8600 (option 2).

More information 
The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing values its diverse work environment and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and cultural diversity. The centre recognises the current gender imbalances in Astronomy and this appointment and ongoing appointments will be commitment to championing a change.

The University has been recognised as a Workplace Employer of Choice for gender equality for the seventh year. The University also offers a range of employee benefits including maternity and partner leave, a 17% employer superannuation contribution, 4 weeks’ annual leave and discounted health insurance.
Swinburne University of Technology is a Child Safe Organisation and as part of this commitment, all appointments are subject to a valid Working with Children Check.

http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/hr/swin/benefits/index.htm