Career Center
Director, SOFIA
Universities Space Research Association
SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is a NASA program to understand Cosmic Origins by studying the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies, planets in our solar system, and extreme cosmic environments. It is the major airborne astronomical observatory world-wide, capable of making observations in the far-infrared that are unique and impossible to obtain even with today’s largest, most advanced high-altitude ground-based telescopes. SOFIA is an international partnership, funded jointly by NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) manages SOFIA Science Mission Operations (SMO) for the NASA Ames Research Center, in support of NASA’s Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate. SOFIA, a major airborne astronomical observatory, paves the way scientifically for the soon-to-be launched James Webb Space Telescope, while simultaneously filling a unique scientific niche in the mid- to far-infrared over the longer term. USRA is seeking a world-class SMO Director to provide scientific, technical, and programmatic leadership of SOFIA Science Mission Operations, and to ensure SOFIA science remains at the forefront of astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science. Position Summary: The successful candidate will be responsible for envisioning, articulating, and implementing a compelling series of investigations at the forefront of astronomy and astrophysics, working closely with NASA, the infrared astronomy scientific community, and other observatories and archives around the world to achieve the richest scientific outcome. The SMO Director will manage the USRA/SOFIA program deliverables and performance at NASA’s Ames and Armstrong Centers. S/he will maintain the appropriate level of interactions among USRA, NASA, DLR, and the Deutsche SOFIA Institute (DSI). The SMO Director is responsible for cost and schedule performance of the SOFIA science mission, science operations, and associated deliverables. Key elements of the SOFIA SMO program include scientific and technical leadership, publication, science mission operations and safety assurance, hardware and software engineering operations and development, contractual compliance and deliverables, and oversight and management of the entire SOFIA SMO program. The SMO Director is supported by a team of nationally-recognized senior scientists and seasoned functional managers who support the science mission. This program team is responsible for establishing mission science priorities, achieving efficient execution, establishing and managing program budgets, optimizing the organization to maximize scientific productivity, and adopting innovative approaches to management and operation of SOFIA science. Successfully fulfilling this broad span of duties necessitates a unique mix of skills in scientific and technical program management, and a proven record of working closely with the astronomy/astrophysics community and NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. A doctoral degree in the physical sciences is required; at least 10 years of relevant program/project management experience is desired. The SOFIA SMO team, under the SMO Director’s leadership, develops a compelling scientific and technical strategy, and an implementation plan including measures of progress through scholarly publications in the open literature. The team also convenes scientific and technical sessions focused on SOFIA science discoveries at national and international conferences; and organizes dedicated astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science workshops and meetings in support of NASA science and exploration. Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
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Working Conditions: This job primarily operates in a professional office environment, but involves occasional airborne observatory flights as required by the science mission. Familiarity with and use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and other IT tools and capabilities for communication and management is essential. Telecommute: Position will offer limited opportunities for telecommuting. Travel: Roughly 20% travel, as science mission requirements dictate, including support to deployments of SOFIA to remote locations such as New Zealand. Applicants should apply to the posting at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/ and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vita. Review of candidates will begin immediately. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu. USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
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