NOAO Associate Director for KPNO - National Optical Astronomy Observatory

No. 26541
Position/Title: NOAO Associate Director for KPNO
Institution: National Optical Astronomy Observatory

Submit Resumes To:
Attention: Human Resources Office, Attn: NOAO Associate Director to KPNO
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
PO Box 26732
Tucson, AZ 85726-6732
USA

Tel: 520-318-8116
FAX: 520-318-8456

URL1: www.noao.edu/news
(NOAO Long Range Plan: 2010-2014)
URL2: www.noao.edu
(NOAO web site)
URL3: www.noao.edu/kpno
(KPNO web site)

Email Submission Address: hrnoao@noao.edu

The closing date for receipt of applications: 09/30/2010

Job Description:

National Optical Astronomical Observatory (NOAO) seeks an astronomer with demonstrated leadership in scientific research, astronomical technology development, and program management to become the NOAO Associate Director for Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). The Associate Director is expected to be an active advocate for the deployment of new science capabilities and operations modes on Kitt Peak in response to the needs of the US O/IR System and its users at large. As a member of the NOAO senior management team, the Associate Director is also involved in strategic planning for NOAO development and reports directly to the NOAO Director.

The Associate Director for KPNO is based in Tucson and has overall responsibility for day-to-day NOAO scientific and technical operations on Kitt Peak for both NOAO facilities and tenant facilities (as defined by their individual service agreements). Some KPNO administrative and operational activities are based at NOAO headquarters in Tucson. 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 KPNO status and development are given regularly by the Associate Director to national-level oversight committees.

A more detailed job description is available ( http://www.noao.edu/cas/hr/jobs/jobs_list.html ). Click on Position Title NOAO Assoc. Director for KPNO

KPNO is located near Tucson, Arizona on land leased by the National Science Foundation (NSF) from the Tohono O’odham Nation. It hosts a number of national and university research facilities, including the NOAO Mayall 4-m and WIYN 3.5-m telescopes. For detailed information about NOAO and KPNO, see the NOAO Long Range Plan: 2010 – 2014 (www.noao.edu/news) as well as the NOAO and KPNO Web site (www.noao.edu and www.noao.edu/kpno).

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 experience with observatory (or similar scientific facility) operations;
• 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.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a publication list, a statement of recent research experience, a statement of relevant management and service experience, a description of future plans, and the names of three references. Send materials electronically to hrnoao@noao.edu (preferred) or to the address below.

NOAO will begin reviewing applications on October 1, 2010. NOAO will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

Make reference to the NOAO Associate Director for KPNO-Job #1026 when submitting application relevant materials.

NOAO is an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer. Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

NOAO and NSO foster a diverse research environment. Women and candidates from under-represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
Attn: NOAO Assoc. Director for KPNO-Job 1026
PO Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoao@noao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8456

Included Benefits:

NOAO offers an excellent benefits package