Director, Research and Development

Location

Penticton

Tenure

Continuing

Language Requirements

English

Work Arrangements

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least four times per week at their own expense. Starting on May 4, 2026, the hybrid work arrangement will end and executives at the NRC will be expected to be onsite 5 days per week.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the Possible

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

As Canada’s 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 Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s 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 Canada’s 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 HAA’s world‑leading scientists, engineers, and data experts, including radio astronomy staff at both DRAO and HAA’s 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 Canada’s investments in international (SKA, ALMA) and domestic radio observatories.
• Prepare for the transformative science that future radio telescopes such as the SKA, CHORD, ALMA WSU 2030, 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 Columbia’s 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, Canada’s national radio observatory:
  • Manage the extensive site, which hosts many of Canada’s 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 rate and maintain Canada’s national open‑access radio astronomy telescopes – John

A. Galt 26‑m Telescope, Synthesis Telescope,…