ALMA2040 Project Director

About the role

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks an ALMA2040 Project Director to lead all phases of the North American ALMA 2040 project. The role involves providing scientific leadership to ensure high-quality scientific, technical, and programmatic activities while working closely with NRAO, AUI, and NSF management on policy, strategy, and annual planning. The successful candidate will engage with stakeholders including the scientific community, oversight committees, and international partners. The position may be filled as a tenured or tenure-track astronomer, with 50% time dedicated to ALMA2040 responsibilities and the remaining 50% available for independent research. The appointee will report to the NRAO North American ALMA Director and be based at NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the ALMA2040 project under the direction of the NA ALMA Director.
• Develop, organize, and lead NRAO/NA and community activities related to ALMA2040.
• Lead the Decadal process, including community support and white paper development.
• Engage with international partners to pursue a unified ALMA2040 vision.
• Work with funding agencies to support the ALMA2040 project.
• Collaborate closely with the NA ALMA Director and NA ALMA Program Scientist on ALMA2040 issues.
• Provide regular information and status reports to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physical science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years (15+ years preferred) of experience leading and/or managing complex scientific research or technical projects.
• For Associate Astronomer: minimum of three years as a member of scientific staff; for Astronomer: minimum of six years as a member of scientific staff.
• National and international recognition as a scientific leader in astronomy.
• Demonstrated record of project completion and knowledge of ALMA and the broader astronomical community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a strong and effective team.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific research initiatives.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, problem-solve, work in a team, and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to design, develop, plan, and implement effective scientific and/or technical workshops, working groups, and conferences.
• Experience working with international partners and in multi-cultural environments.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: astronomical telescopes; radio telescopes; RF, microwave- or millimeter-wave systems; interferometric radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy.
• Established record of independent research.

Work Environment

Work is mission-driven, team-oriented, and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Some domestic and international travel will be required.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is between $114,000 and $138,000 per year. Factors affecting starting pay may include education, experience, skills, competencies, qualifications, internal equity, and labor market conditions.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days).
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• Retirement benefit contributing an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.