SOAR Director

The Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope, a 4-m telescope located on Cerro Pachon, in Chile,  invites applications for the position of Director. The Director is responsible for the overall operation of SOAR including its budgets, staff, and technical development. SOAR is a major resource for the Brazilian astronomy community and is a key component of NSF’s Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab). SOAR is also an important facility for the two university partners, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Michigan State University. It is co-located on Cerro Pachon with the Rubin Observatory and Gemini South, and is designed to both support efficient follow-up of transients and other targets of opportunity, and enable a broad range of user science.

The SOAR Board seeks a person who will successfully manage  the operations of the telescope and its facilities and play a leading role in formulating a vision for the future of SOAR in an era of large-scale surveys and multi-messenger astronomy, while continuing to foster training and development within a diverse scientific community. The candidate is expected to have experience with complex scientific facilities, an appropriate scientific background, and leadership abilities to serve as Director.

The Director reports to the SOAR Board of Directors, which is composed of members from the four SOAR partners: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Michigan State University; Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Inovação of the Federative Republic of Brazil;  and NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) . The SOAR Telescope operations are integrated into NOIRLab. The position of the director is based in La Serena (Chile). More information regarding the SOAR telescope is available at www.soartelescope.org. Inquiries about the position can be directed to the President of the SOAR Board, Nicole van der Bliek (nicole.vanderbliek@noirlab.edu). The starting date for this position is flexible but nominally October 1, 2024.

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced degree in astrophysics or a related field
• 10 or more years’ experience in observatory operations, or at similar facilities
• Demonstrated scientific management ability for groups comparable to SOAR

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with astronomical instrumentation
• Experience as scientific manager for at least 3 years
• Fluency in Spanish, or a strong motivation to acquire fluency

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Cerro Pachon: Ability to work at 8,900’
• Cerro Tololo: Ability to work at 7,300’

If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV/Resume and a Cover Letter in English (PDF files preferred) and provide contact information of 3 professional referees in your application (references will be sought later in the recruiting process).  The position will remain open until filled, while all applications received before January 15, 2024 will receive full consideration.  Name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.