Director, Research and Development

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2025 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas largest research and innovation organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA) part of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) invites applications for Director Research and Development to lead our Radio Astronomy group.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape Canadas future in radio astronomy science and technology. Based at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) near Penticton BC with this appointment you will:

• Shape astronomy infrastructure and policy at the national and international levels.
• Supervise lead and work with HAAs world-leading scientists engineers and data experts including radio astronomy staff at both DRAO and HAAs headquarters near Victoria train and develop staff capable of meeting current organizational needs and future requirements of DRAO Operations; set goals for evaluate and address staff performance.
• Working closely with your fellow HAA Directors of Astronomy Technology Optical Astronomy and Operations:
  • Advise the HAA Director General on promising future initiatives and technologies.
  • Assist in the preparation and review of the HAA multi-year program plan.
• Support national and international community engagement to take full advantage of Canadas investments in international (SKA ALMA) and domestic radio observatories.
• Prepare for the transformative science that future radio telescopes such as the SKA CHORD ALMA WSU2030 and ngVLA will deliver.
• Identify and pursue collaborative opportunities and partnerships with academic and government entities.
• Foster collaborative research with Canadian universities including the University of British Columbias Okanagan campus in nearby Kelowna BC contributing to the training of the next generation of Canadian radio astronomers.

The role Continued

• Serve as site director for DRAO Canadas national radio observatory:
  • Manage the extensive site which hosts many of Canadas most important domestic radio facilities including CHIME CGEM and CHORD; HAA is a full partner in the latter and is fabricating on-site the (512) HAA-designed 6-m dishes for the core array currently under construction at DRAO.
  • Operate and maintain Canadas national open-access radio astronomy telescopes John A. Galt 26-m Telescope Synthesis Telescope Solar Radio Flux Monitor which are all located at DRAO and currently undergoing major upgrades.
  • Ensure that the site is protected from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) through appropriate site policies and procedures and interactions with neighbours and all levels of government to ensure external RFI-sources are minimized.
  • Promote use of DRAOs diverse R&D labs for the design fabrication and characterization of radio components including feeds receivers digital signal processors and antennas. These include a Hot/Cold Test Facility a Reverberation Chamber an RFI-shielded and ESD-protected digital lab and areas dedicated to the development production and testing of composite antennas.
• Ensure that projects are planned and completed within established controls and according to HAA priorities and policies.
• Ensure proactive compliance with NRC and government safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Enjoy flexibility and balance with family-friendly work arrangements in a scenic outdoor-oriented region with an excellent quality of life.
• Benefit from comprehensive federal employee benefits including health and dental coverage pension plans and generous leave.

We seek individuals who are:

• Passionate advocates for radio astronomy and for DRAO.
• Scientific and technical leaders with a vision for the future.
• Strong believers in supporting the astronomical community.
• Proven managers of scientific and technical personnel with a record of success in major projects and/or at major scientific institutions.
• Excellent spoken and written communicators able both to inspire staff experts and to advocate effectively for HAA within the broader local national and international communities.
• Experienced in radio astronomy.
• Excited to help shape the future of radio astronomy in Canada.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Graduate degree in radio astronomy radio engineering or a related field from a recognized university.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• At least 10 years of post-graduate experience as research scientist astrophysicist engineer or related scientific field-discipline;
• A track record of research in astronomy or astronomy-related techniques is essential preferably with emphasis on radio astronomy and interferometry;
• Demonstrated record of effective written and oral communications with scientists and engineers;
• Demonstrated record of effective written and oral communications with government agencies committees and/or senior representatives;
• Demonstrated record of effective written and oral interactions with the general public;
• Demonstrated effective leadership of a major observatory department or large team preferably involving scientific engineering and technical staff;
• Familiarity with ground-based and/or space-based observatory operations.

Assets

• Experience in applying the principles tools and practices of administrative financial and human resource management.

Condition of employment

• Secret (II)
  
  A thorough security clearance process will be applied.
  
  For a Secret Clearance verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.
  
  
• Work is typically performed in an indoors research and development environment but may occasionally be conducted outdoors.
• Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.
• Routine presence at DRAO is required to be effective in this position.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated broad understanding of relevant Canadian and international scientific issues and national and international factors that impact research centre operations;
• Knowledge of program and project management;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information assess risks and opportunities and make recommendations on potential courses of action;
• Ability to direct and engage core capabilities to effectively lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to lead and influence change while applying best practices in the management of human resources finances and projects and strategic planning;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to work cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of employees colleagues clients and stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 4)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 4)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 4)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $142179to $170588per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employerand Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• A pre-qualified listmay be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.