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. Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: Advanced degree in astrophysics or a related field10 or more years' experience in observatory operations, or at similar facilitiesDemonstrated scientific management ability for groups comparable to SOAR Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: Experience with astronomical instrumentationExperience as scientific manager for at least 3 yearsFluency 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 (job description outlines full detail). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required. Cerro Pachon: Ability to work at 8,'Cerro Tololo: Ability to work at 7,' This role is based in La Serena, Chile.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). Update as on 12.21.23: Please note that application date for submissions has been extended to February 16, . 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 theand. 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 tothroughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May , 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.
