Jun 20, 2013 - level Expert Boards and Committees to support them in achieving ... The CRAF Frequency Manager is answera
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT CRAF FREQUENCY MANAGER
The European Science Foundation (ESF) is committed to achieving the highest quality science in Europe in order to drive progress in research and innovation. The ESF helps its Member Organisations collaborate internationally on research programmes in almost every scientific domain. The ESF provides services to the science community, including peer review, evaluation, conferences preparation and also career tracking support. The ESF hosts high-‐ level Expert Boards and Committees to support them in achieving their objectives. The science of radio astronomy plays a key role in increasing our understanding of the environment and the universe in which we live. By its nature it is a passive service, so it never causes interference to other users of the radio spectrum, but unfortunately it is becoming increasingly difficult to protect radio astronomy operations from radio interference as use of the spectrum increases by other (active) users. On behalf of European radio astronomers the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF), one of the Expert Committees of the ESF, coordinates activities to keep the frequency bands used for radio astronomy and space sciences free from interference. It works towards this aim by: •
coordinating the case for radio astronomy and space sciences in Europe in discussions with the major public and private telecommunications agencies;
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acting as the voice of European radio astronomers in concert with other groups of radio astronomers in discussions within the international bodies that decide on the use of radio spectrum;
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initiating and encouraging scientific studies aimed at eliminating interference at the source or reducing the effects of interference.
To support and represent the strategy and interests of the ESF Expert Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies within the framework of European spectrum management activities, CRAF is looking for a Frequency Manager.
Duties and responsibilities The CRAF Frequency Manager is answerable to the representatives of the member institutes at CRAF meetings. In his/her daily work the Frequency Manager closely collaborates with the CRAF core group and has the following duties and responsibilities: •
Represent the interests of European radio astronomy and CRAF at the various international technical, regulatory and advisory meetings linked to spectrum management, mainly at CEPT and ITU levels;
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Provide technical advice to CRAF in developing its policy and strategy regarding the protection of radio spectrum bands used by the Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) and other passive applications in Europe, and performing such research, analysis & modelling as necessary to validate such advice; Monitor and inform CRAF about developments in active spectrum usage that has relevance for radio astronomical observations and advise on actions to take in specific cases; Coordinate and support the generation of reports, technical papers, strategic position and policy documentation to be submitted to international organizations, groups, advisory and regulatory bodies; Review and approve input documents prepared by CRAF before they are submitted in order to maintain a high quality level and to have a coherent policy at the various meetings; Initiate and support communication with relevant national and regional administrative bodies and with relevant industrial bodies to serve the interests of the European radio astronomy community, and to effectively communicate the characteristics and requirements of the Radio Astronomy Service to these parties; Serve as the official CRAF point of contact on radio regulatory issues with national administrations (including those outside the European Union), CEPT, EU, NATO-‐ARFA, ITU, industry and other parties; Manage the administrative frequency management centre of CRAF.
Profile The CRAF Frequency Manager should • have an in-‐depth and broad knowledge of the scientific objectives, operational procedures and the technical and instrumentation requirements within radio astronomy -‐ a doctoral level qualification in related scientific disciplines is desirable; • have experience with administrative procedures in frequency management within European and international spectrum management organisations; • have excellent managerial and communication skills; • be willing to travel extensively, mostly within Europe; • have good language skills with a fluency in English a requirement -‐ knowledge of French and German is also desirable.
Terms of the position The position is offered by CRAF for a 2-‐year term, with the possibility of a prolongation, starting as soon as possible. Salary range is at senior scientist level, depending on skills and experience. The CRAF Frequency Manager is usually hosted at an academic institution in his/her home country. CRAF and the ESF will seek to agree to an External Coordinator’s agreement with a host institution for the services of the Frequency Manager.
Applications More information on this position can be obtained by email from the CRAF Chair: Hans van der Marel (
[email protected]). Applications should be sent by email to the CRAF secretary: Pietro Bolli (
[email protected]) by June 20, 2013.
