Since 2015: Professor (W2) of Observational Astronomy, Universität Hamburg, Germany
2014–2015: Acting ELT Programme Scientist, European Southern Observatory
2006–2014: Science Office of the Extremely Large Telescope, European Southern Observatory
2003–2006: European Southern Observatory
2001–2003: Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, UK
2001: Doctorate in Astronomy, UNSW, Australia and Cambridge University, UK, supervisors: John K. Webb and Robert F. Carswell
1991–1997: Degree in Physics, Universität Bonn, Germany, University of Sydney, Australia, Cambridge University, UK

Since 2023: Deputy chair of the 4MOST Science Coordination Board and member of the 4MOST Scientific Technical Steering Committee
2021–2022: Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the initiative Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik (DZA)
Since 2021: Member of the Executive Board of the Department of Physics (officer responsible for Study and Teaching), Universität Hamburg, Germany
Since 2021: Member of the ANDES (formerly ELT-HIRES) Steering Committee
2020–2024: Deputy member of the Academic Senate, Universität Hamburg, Germany
2018–2023: German representative on ESO’s Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and member of its ELT sub-committee (ESC)
2016–2021: Chair of the ANDES Working Group on Cosmology and Fundamental Physics
2014–2023: Chair of the 4MOST Science Coordination Board and member of the 4MOST Scientific Technical Steering Committee
2011–2014: Member of the Executive Committee of the International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics in Garching, Germany
Since 2007: Member of the GAMA Scientific and Strategic Advisory Committee