Assistant Director, ALMA North American Operations (85)

Associated Universities Inc•CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The NRAO also host conferences and workshops, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and expertise as well as build partnerships. The NRAO leads the North American (NA) operation of the international the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) partnership consisting of the United States, Canada and Taiwan. On behalf of NA, the NRAO provides the astronomy community within the ALMA NA partnership a complementary suite of forefront facilities that include ALMA, Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) and Green Bank Telescope (GBT). ALMA NA Operations is the unit within the NRAO that is devoted to ALMA. The Observatory is currently seeking an Assistant Director for ALMA North American Operations (AD, ALMA NA Operations) which will be a member of the NRAO scientific staff and has the responsibility for ensuring ALMA NA operations achieve maximum scientific and cost effectiveness of ALMA, and works in close coordination with the NRAO Director who sits on the ALMA Board and the Directors' Council of ALMA. The position will be based in Charlottesville, VA. No teleworking or remote employment will be considered. In close coordination with the NRAO senior management team, the AD, ALMA NA Operations has responsibility will include, but are not limited to: Planning, management, and direction of all activities associated with ALMA Operations in North America, and the Joint ALMA Observatory support activities carried out by the Office of Chile Affairs in Santiago; In consultation with the user community, the AD is responsible for providing scientific leadership and setting science-driven operational priorities for ALMA within the NRAO; a particular focus will be leading NA’s efforts to define the scientific and technical case for a major upgrade of ALMA planned for the 2030s/2040s, and completing a wideband sensitivity upgrade project in coming years Stimulating the development of science-driven concepts and initiatives for instrumentation and capability enhancements for ALMA within the North American user community; Coordinating with the rest of the NRAO in science operations as well as future developments, to achieve the maximum science impact and cost effectiveness under the One Observatory approach; Participating in the formulation and implementation of overall Observatory policies and plans; The AD, ALMA NA Operations may also represent the NRAO in various capacities, as assigned by the Director

Requirements

You have a Ph.D or equivalent in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
You have seven+ years of progressive experience in leadership of research teams.
You have experience in staff management, budget development and control, supporting users of astronomical observatories, and/or data/science centers.
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Responsibilities

Planning, management, and direction of all activities associated with ALMA Operations in North America, and the Joint ALMA Observatory support activities carried out by the Office of Chile Affairs in Santiago
In consultation with the user community, the AD is responsible for providing scientific leadership and setting science-driven operational priorities for ALMA within the NRAO; a particular focus will be leading NA’s efforts to define the scientific and technical case for a major upgrade of ALMA planned for the 2030s/2040s, and completing a wideband sensitivity upgrade project in coming years
Stimulating the development of science-driven concepts and initiatives for instrumentation and capability enhancements for ALMA within the North American user community
Coordinating with the rest of the NRAO in science operations as well as future developments, to achieve the maximum science impact and cost effectiveness under the One Observatory approach
Participating in the formulation and implementation of overall Observatory policies and plans
The AD, ALMA NA Operations may also represent the NRAO in various capacities, as assigned by the Director

Benefits

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.

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