Applications are invited for the position of Project Manager (f/m/d) for the Athena Wide Field Imager - Job code 26/2024 - in the High-Energy astrophysics group of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, led by Prof. K. Nandra.

MPE is a world-leading institute in space- and ground-based experimental astrophysics, with leading roles in a number of large astronomical projects. The High-Energy Group at MPE carries out major space hardware programs, including the development of X-ray detectors and X-ray optics. The group has contributed significantly to Chandra and XMM–Newton and has more recently led the development of the eROSITA X-ray telescope, launched in 2019 aboard the SRG mission. The group is also involved in several ground-based projects in support of eROSITA, such as LSST, GROND, SDSS-V, 4MOST, primarily in support of our space programs. For further details about MPE or the High-Energy group.

The main future project of the MPE High-Energy Group is NewAthena, the future observatory-class X-ray astronomy mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). MPE is the lead Institute responsible for the Wide Field Imager (WFI), one of the two instruments aboard the mission, and leads the international consortium responsible for the WFI development The WFI camera itself is based on the unique Silicon DEPFET technology developed by the semiconductor laboratory of the Max Planck Society. This enables spatially and temporally resolved spectroscopy of X-ray photons in the energy range from 200 eV to 15 keV over a large field of view, with excellent energy resolution and fast readout. More details can be found here.

Your responsibilities

The High-Energy Group seek an experienced individual capable of co-ordinating and managing this complex international project, working in close collaboration with the other members of the WFI Project Office. The main responsibilities of the WFI Project Manager include:

• Project planning, scheduling and coordination
• Definition of tasks and allocation of resources
• Budgeting, cost monitoring and control
• Preparation of funding proposals and associated reporting
• Managing funding, procurements and contractual aspects
• Progress monitoring and control
• Timely delivery of documentation, in particular for project reviews
• Risk management
• Co-ordination and management of the international WFI consortium

The project manager will report to the Director of the MPE High Energy Group, Prof. K. Nandra, who is also the WFI Principal Investigator. They will work closely together with other members of the WFI project office including the Project Scientist, Systems Engineer, Product Assurance manager and Engineering discipline leads. They will act as the primary management interface between the WFI consortium and the European Space Agency (ESA), who are responsible for the NewAthena project overall, and the German space agency (DLR) who provide funding to MPE to execute the WFI project. The role involves a high level of responsibility and autonomy and is likely to involve frequent travel for meetings with ESA and international partners.

Your profile

The successful candidate will hold an appropriate degree in physics, engineering, management or a related discipline and will have a track record of managing projects in astronomical instrumentation. They will have experience in the successful management of projects, people and budgets, and excellent communication and negotiation skills. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. German language skills would be highly desirable. Experience in developing space hardware and/or with space projects and standards (e.g. ECSS) would be a further asset.

Our offer

The appointment is based on the German scale for public employees (TVöD), with salary dependent on experience and associated benefits. The position is available from 1 Jan 2025 and will initially be time-limited until 31 Dec 2027. Contingent on project requirements and funding, it will be reviewed for a possible longer-term appointment towards the end of this period.

Your application

Applicants should submit their documents in PDF format online, comprising a cover letter, a brief description of past projects and a curriculum vitae, including the names and contact details of three referees that can provide letters of reference upon request. Applications received by Dec 15 2024 will receive full consideration, but applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. 

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

MPE wishes to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications without regard to factors such as nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.