Assistant Director, Science Support and Research

Position Description:

Position Summary

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 Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA) distributed across the United States and its territories, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO announces an employment opportunity for an Assistant Director for Science Support and Research (SSR).

The Assistant Director for Science Support and Research is the chief science officer for the Observatory and is responsible for supporting all scientific users of NRAO instruments and coordinating the scientific research of the NRAO staff.

This is an opportunity for an experienced scientist, with a track record of management and leadership, to take on an influential role in the senior management team of one of the world's leading observatories. The appointee will help expand the delivery of data to a global community of astronomers (Science Ready Data Products), and contribute to the definition and planning of the Next Generation VLA - envisaged to be an interferometric array with more than 10 times the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the current VLA and ALMA, operating at frequencies spanning ∼ 1.2 - 116 GHz with extended baselines reaching across North America.

The AD/SSR is responsible for managing time allocation and the proposal handling processes for the VLA, VLBA, and GBT. The AD/SSR is tasked with ensuring a uniform and effective interface for NRAO's user communities across all their telescopes and taking account of the ALMA review process which is the responsibility of the Joint ALMA Observatory. The AD/SSR manages staff responsible for common scientific services provided in support of our instruments, and coordinates outward-facing activities across all sites to minimize duplication and achieve optimal efficiency in support of all users of NRAO facilities.

The AD/SSR reports to the NRAO Director. The incumbent is responsible for defining and improving NRAO's interface to our user community, and coordinating and evaluating the research environment for our scientific staff. Additionally, the AD/SSR will support and encourage scientific staff to actively participate in broader impact activities.

The appointee will be a member of the NRAO Scientific Staff. The nature and level of the appointment will be negotiated with the appointee.

The selected individual will be based in either Charlottesville, VA, Socorro or Albuquerque, NM, and will be expected to travel regularly between the NRAO sites and facilities. Partial teleworking arrangements will be considered.

Job Duties Summary

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research and development environment. Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.

Who You Are:

• 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.
• 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.

Competency Summary

Must possess excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Strong leadership ability is required.

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Compensation and Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package to eligible staff members. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with a wide-ranging and competitive total rewards package that supports employees and their overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay may include: education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides 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; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply" button. Please prepare a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in and aptitude for this position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• List containing the names of at least 3 referees.

Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected].

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected]. PM20