Advertisement of the EAO Director

Director: East Asian Observatory

Organization Background

The EAO (East Asian Observatory) is formed by EACOA (East Asian Core Observatories Association) for the purpose of pursuing joint projects in astronomy within the East Asian region. In the era of very large scale astronomical instruments, East Asia institutions will be competitive internationally by combining their funding resources, their technical expertise, and their manpower. The intention of EAO is to build and operate facilities, which will enhance and leverage existing and planned regional facilities. The intention of EAO is to raise funding and to build an observatory staff, separate from that of the EACOA institutions. As partners of the EAO, the EACOA institutes will help to establish the funding and to oversee the governance of EAO. The communities represented by the partners in EAO would have full access to all EAO facilities.

The EAO is chartered as a non-profit Hawaii corporation. Since 2015, It has been operating the James Clark Maxwell Submillimetre Telescope(JCMT) on the summit of Maunakea, Hawai`i. Pursuant to an agreement with the University of Hawaii, the EAO also provides engineering and IT support to the UKIRT Observatory (UKIRT).

The Role

The Director of EAO will have the drive and vision to establish and lead the operations of telescopes at the summit of MaunaKea, Hawaii. The successful candidate will report directly to the Board of Directors of the EAO and will be responsible for all EAO operations and accountable for their execution. The Director of EAO will work closely with the Board of Directors in the development of overall policy and strategic planning across the organization to ensure the success of the EAO’s mission. The Director will be highly visible in the function of the EAO, interacting continuously with the East Asian astronomy communities and with the EAO Advisory Board.

Key Duties, Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the EAO Board of Directors, the post holder will:

• Provide leadership to the Observatory;
• Draw up and implement the EAO Operations Plan;
• Work closely with EAO’s international partners to ensure the operations plan is efficiently implemented;
• Oversee the recruitment of the operations team;
• Oversee the delivery of host country assets that meet EAO requirements;
• Oversee all aspects of the operations of the JCMT and other EAO telescopes;
• Assume responsibility for the setting of operational priorities and resource planning;
• Work together with the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board to develop and implement the EAO’s policies and strategies; and
• Provide regular information and status reports to the Board of Directors as required.

The duties of the Director are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and ability to adapt to an evolving situation is required.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Normally, this position would require a candidate with a PhD in astronomy or physical sciences.

The Director should have

• Experience of senior, executive level management and leadership within a high-technology environment;
• Extensive experience of operations of large, high-tech facilities;
• Experience of the observatory operations;
• Good English oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and to work collaboratively in an international setting.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in the operations of astronomical facilities;
• Demonstrated experience in interacting with a broad community of users

For more information on the EAO visit https://www.eaobservatory.org/. The successful applicant’s workplace will be located at the EAO office in Hilo, Hawaii, USA and/or the EAO headquarters which will be located in the East Asia.

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter, including details of your current remuneration, detailing how you meet the mandatory and desirable knowledge, skills and experience criteria, future objectives, and the names and contact of at least three referees as PDF files to [email protected].

Closing Date for applications

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is September 30, 2019.

Equal Opportunities Statement

East Asian Observatory is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. Our aim to is recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.

At all stages of the recruitment process and beyond, we strive to treat applicants and employees with a high standard of care, honesty and politeness.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; EAO welcomes and encourages female applicants.