Program Manager Pipelines

Are you energized by bringing communities together around complex scientific software? Do you enjoy shaping long‑term strategy while keeping diverse stakeholders aligned and engaged? Do you want to play a key role in developing world‑class radio astronomy data pipelines?

If this sounds like you, then we offer an exciting opportunity. ASTRON is hiring a

Pipeline development at ASTRON refers to the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated data processing workflows that transform raw observational data from radio telescopes such as LOFAR and Apertif/WSRT into calibrated, science‑ready products for analysis. As Program Manager Pipelines, you will become part of the R&D COMPAS group at ASTRON, working at the heart of data processing development for leading radio astronomy facilities such as the LOFAR Observatory, the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT), and the SKA Observatory (SKAO).

Your role sits at the intersection of science, software, operations, and collaboration.

You are the key liaison for pipeline development between internal and external pipeline development teams, the scientific user community, and the operations team. You will define, coordinate, and drive ASTRON’s strategy for pipeline development, ensuring that Observatory‑Supported Pipelines meet both current scientific needs and future ambitions. A central aspect of your work is fostering a collaborative ecosystem in which researchers and developers feel supported, heard, and confident in ASTRON’s leadership.

On a day‑to‑day basis, you will develop and maintain a coherent pipeline roadmap, align development activities with instrument and technology roadmaps, and coordinate across multiple organisations such as the LOFAR ERIC and SKAO. You will facilitate communication and decision‑making, and manage risks and budgets where applicable.

This role offers significant opportunity to shape the future of data processing in radio astronomy. You will work closely with leading astronomers, engineers, the operations team, influence long‑term technical direction, and contribute to an international ecosystem that enables groundbreaking science.

Why should you choose ASTRON? Everybody here works on the forefront of innovation. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen. Further, we care deeply about the wider impact of our work:
We aim to innovate in a way that benefits society as a whole. This includes a commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of our work, leading to a real focus on green computing.

We believe that diversity is key to our success. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive workspace for everybody, and we are especially interested in applications from women and other traditionally under‑represented groups. We are building an institute where you can work alongside international experts from a variety of fields in a culture of mutual respect and support. We want to see all of our staff, whatever their background or characteristics, thrive and grow in an inspirational environment.

What's more, the ASTRON premises are situated in a fantastic area in the middle of a beautiful national park. Since we are surrounded by stunning scenery, our lunch walks is like little holidays, and you can often see hares, fawns, and deer grazing around the building. We work where other people travel to relax and enjoy their free time!

• An inclusive, innovative, and pleasant working environment with an international and inspiring work culture.
• A strategic role at the intersection of astronomy, software development, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Opportunities and encouragement to accelerate and develop yourself and your career.
• The exceptional combination of astronomy, operations and engineering in one building.
• Employment conditions tailored to your needs (32–40 hours, part‑time options, parental leave, working from home arrangements).
• A position within the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO‑I).
• A gross monthly salary in scale 13…