National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Assistant Director, ALMA North American Operations (85)
Location: NRAO Headquarters, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America
Requisition Number: 85
Job Family: Mgmt & Senior Admin
Pay Type: Salary
Required Education: MGT

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

COMPETENCY SUMMARY

A scientific vision for ALMA, communication and organizational skills, and an understanding of the research requirements of astronomers are crucial.

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