National Optical Astronomical Observatory (NOAO) seeks an astronomer with demonstrated leadership in scientific research, astronomical technology develop-ment, and program management to become the NOAO Associate Director for NOAO South, which encompasses the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO).
NOAO South hosts a number of national and university research facilities, including the CTIO Blanco 4-m and SOAR 4.2-m telescopes. SOAR shares Cerro Pachón with the Gemini South 8.2-m telescope. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) project will construct a large aperture survey telescope near SOAR and Gemini South as well as a petascale data center co-located with the NOAO South, SOAR, and Gemini South headquarters in La Serena. As it does for SOAR, NOAO South may operate LSST facilities in Chile on behalf of LSST, Inc., pending the outcome of current, on-going discussions. NOAO South already provides a variety of support services to SOAR and Gemini South, and is expected to provide similar services to LSST in the future.
The recent NSF AST Portfolio Review found that the Blanco, Gemini South, and LSST were essential NSF facilities and recommended continued funding under all foreseen NSF budget scenarios.
The Blanco and SOAR instrument suites are currently being extensively extended and/or modernized. In particular, installation of the 2.2-degree (diameter) Dark Energy Camera (DECam) has been completed at the Blanco and will be used for a major international 5-year dark energy characterization experiment called Dark Energy Survey (DES) as well as a variety of community-based survey and PI class research projects.
This NOAO Associate Director reports to the NOAO Director, is based in La Serena (Chile) and has overall responsibility for day-to-day NOAO scientific and technical operations on Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachón for both NOAO facilities and tenant facilities (as defined by their individual service agreements). With other members of the NOAO senior management team, the Associate Director helps develop the NOAO annual and long-range (5-year) program plans that establish the strategic direction of NOAO. Presentations about NOAO South status and development are given regularly by the Associate Director to national-level oversight committees. As a result of the recent NSF Portfolio Review, NOAO will undergo significant evolution in the next 3 – 5 years. The NOAO South Director will play an active role in shaping that evolution.
The ideal candidate will:
• hold a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field;
• be involved in frontier scientific research;
• have a demonstrated ability to lead mixed teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, and administrative support personnel;
• have 10 years or more of functional experience at an observatory, or other major scientific research facility;
• have 3 – 5 years of program management, with significant responsibility for budget planning and personnel management.
NOAO is the national center for ground-based nighttime astronomy in the United States and is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. NOAO operates world-class research facilities in Arizona and the Republic of Chile, and provides a gateway via peer review to other US research facilities in the US O/IR System, including Gemini and, currently, Keck and Magellan. Operational support is provided to more than 30 tenant observatories on three mountaintops. NOAO is involved in the development of major new facilities, optical/infrared instrumentation, and data management systems. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) telescope and site facility development is being led by NOAO. Deeper NOAO involvement with Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) or Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a key strategic goal.
NOAO offers an excellent benefits package, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and an extremely attractive work environment.
NOAO will begin reviewing applications on January 1, 2013. NOAO will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
Qualified applicants are requested to complete an online application at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/hr/joblist.asp. Select NOAO Associate Director for NOAO South/CTIO, #12-0147, then, click Apply On-Line. Applicants should upload the following documents, (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a list of publications; (3) a statement which includes recent research experience; relevant management experience; service experience; description of future plans and the names of three professional references. Please include job # “12-0147, your last name and document title” in the file name. Documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org with the subject title: 12-0147 Application Attachments.
NOAO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. AURA, NOAO, and CTIO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Wom-en and candidates from underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.
