Research Project Manager – SKA / Synchronisation and Timing (SAT)

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

Company

hirify.global research and education institution participating in the SKA Telescope programme.

What you will do

• Manage the hirify.global’s involvement in the SKA Telescope and oversee key Synchronisation and Timing deliverables.
• Develop detailed work plans, set milestones, control budgets, manage meetings, and prepare project reports.
• Analyse and present project finances, progress, and risks to funders, advisory boards, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with SKAO to manage industry contracts, monitor deliverables, timelines, and budgets, and resolve issues.
• Drive project deadlines and ensure activities are delivered on time.
• Line-manage project support staff, including induction, performance monitoring, pastoral support, and workload direction.

Requirements

• First degree and/or significant experience in project management or administration.
• Good working knowledge of SAFe Agile framework practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of industry contract management practices.
• Experience supporting the successful delivery of large-scale projects and programmes in a responsible capacity.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise conflicting tasks and manage competing deadlines.

Nice to have

• Experience in higher education, particularly in astronomy or another STEM department.
• Relevant qualification in industry contract management, such as NEC training.
• Familiarity with SKA projects and platforms such as Confluence, ALIM, or CEMAR.
• Experience communicating STEM projects through articles, social media updates, or similar formats.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, transferable skills, and real-world experience.
• Generous employer pension contribution.
• 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Ride-to-work and electric vehicle schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working information is available through the university’s staff policies.