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National Radio Astronomy Observatory · 2 months ago

Assistant Director, Science Support and Research

NRAO Array Operations Center, PO Box 0, SOCORRO, New Mexico, United States of America

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

5+ years exp

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Assistant Director for Science Support and Research is responsible for supporting all scientific users of NRAO instruments and coordinating the scientific research of the NRAO staff.

CommunitiesEducationInformation TechnologySatellite Communication

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Extend and improve the production of Science-Ready Data Products (SRDP) for NRAO instruments; interface closely to other stakeholders (e.g. scientific users, NRAO staff, Data Management and Software) to achieve this goal and expand community adoption of high level data products

Manage the NRAO Telescope Time Allocation (TTA) process, including developing appropriate revisions to policy, documentation, tools and procedures as needed

Oversee the recruitment, hiring, review and promotion of the NRAO scientific staff, and regular revision of the Scientific Staff Policy Manual. Review and approve scientific staff external grant proposals

Coordinate the Jansky Fellowship program and other NRAO postdoctoral appointments, ensuring that this vital program continues to attract and develop some of the most promising astronomers in the world with expertise in NRAO science and capabilities

Coordinate the activities of the NRAO Library and Historical archives, as well as oversee the NRAO statistics and metric functions and page charge support

Organize the selection of the NRAO-wide Jansky Lecture series awardees

Select, train and develop scientific and professional staff capable of meeting current organizational needs and future requirements of the Observatory; set goals for, evaluate and address scientific staff performance

Develop and communicate an integrated view of SSR activities within NRAO

Ensure that projects overseen by SSR are planned and completed within established controls and according to Observatory priorities, in collaboration with the NRAO Program Management Dept

Assist in the preparation and review of Observatory planning and reporting documents, including annual program plan, budget, strategic and long-range plans. Develop, monitor and report on NRAO’s observing-related metrics, and lead the collection, collation and delivery of the quarterly Observatory-wide Performance Evaluation and Management report

Report and track to closure all SSR risk items

Ensure proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures

Qualification

PhD in AstronomyData analysisObservatory operationsBudget planningProject managementAnalytical skillsLeadershipCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

You have a PhD degree, preferably in Astronomy, physics, or a closely related field

You have at least five years' experience in astronomy and data analysis, observatory operations, liaising with the research community, and a record of successful management in a relevant environment including budget planning, and project management

Must possess excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills

Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Strong leadership ability is required

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States

The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position

Preferred

Highly desirable - you have an outstanding scientific, technical and managerial achievements in radio interferometry and arrays and single dishes

A demonstrated background in observatory operations or management and the ability to work closely with site managers and scientific staff members would be preferred

Benefits

Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave)

Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment

AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution

Optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions