Job Description

Job Description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title: Green Bank Observatory Director

Location: Green Bank Observatory, GREEN BANK, West Virginia, United States of America

Requisition Number: 87

Job Family: Mgmt & Senior Admin

Pay Type: Salary

Required Education: MGT

Position Description:

Position Summary

Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities, as part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. 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. GBO also hosts conferences and workshops, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and expertise as well as build partnerships.

At the GBO, we are looking for a Director to oversee and manage all GBO activities in West Virginia (WV). Green Bank Observatory oversees the development and operation of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous other smaller telescopes which are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes. Working at wavelengths ranging from 100cm through 3mm, the GBT supports a diverse range of scientific research. Additionally, the GBT has an ongoing program of research and development projects which keeps the telescope at the cutting edge of science and technology, including new investments in radar capabilities.

The Director will provide the vision and leadership to continue this tradition and to address the key technical challenges of the next generation of instruments while maintaining the performance of current GBO facilities at the state of the art.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Manager, scientific, and strategic leader for the operations, telescope, and development programs at the Green Bank, West Virginia Site.
• Site management for the Green Bank, West Virginia, site.
• Line manager for all Green Bank division heads, scientific staff.
• Oversee development work on the Green Bank site.
• Oversee site budget, short and long-term plans as part of Observatory-wide development and operational initiatives.

The location for the position will be based in Green Bank, WV.

In addition, the Director is responsible for providing local leadership in scientific program development, contributing to strong relations with telescope users and subscribers, proposing and supervising facility enhancements, and participating in Observatory-wide senior management activities. The GBO Director position reports to the NRAO Director.

What You Will be Doing:

• Plan, execute and inspire the direction of scientific, technical and managerial direction for implementing the scientific goals of the Observatory, and of radio astronomy and related fields, in consultation with overall NRAO strategic plans.
• Identify and where possible, pursue collaborative opportunities and partnerships with academic and government entities.
• Develop program proposals and workforce management plans and engage in strategic planning and implementation of related goals.
• Supervise a program of research and technical development following best project management practices to benefit NRAO’s facilities and astronomy in general, in support of the nation's technical interests.
• Select, train and develop staff capable of meeting current organizational needs and future requirements of GBO Ops; set goals for, evaluate and address staff performance.
• Ensure that projects are planned and completed within established controls and according to Observatory priorities.
• Assist in the preparation and review of the Observatory's annual program plan and the multi-year program plan as required.
• Ensure proactive compliance with AUI and government safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Routine presence in Green Bank is required to be effective in this position; telework arrangements will be considered.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research or development environment, but may occasionally be required to work outdoors. Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.

Who You Are:

• You have a PhD in astronomy, engineering, physics or a closely related field is required.
• You have demonstrated experience in leadership, budget planning, development and control, and financial management, ideally in a high-tech environment.

Competency Summary

Must possess excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Must be able to communicate effectively and persuasively both verbally and in writing. Strong leadership acumen/ability/aptitude is required. Applicants with significant experience in radio astronomy instrumentation and/or radar science/technology are encouraged to apply.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. 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.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

PI1620ecc5fcf5-25405-38328650

Job Tags

Temporary work, Bank staff, Local area, Remote work,

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