Universities Space Research Association (USRA)
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, California
Director for Science Mission Operations
USRA/SOFIA is inviting applications as a part of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy (SOFIA) program.
SOFIA is a premier observatory for infrared and sub-millimeter astronomy. A 747-SP aircraft will
carry a 2.5-meter telescope designed to make sensitive infrared measurements on a variety of
astronomical objects. It will fly at an altitude up to 45,000 feet. First light is expected in early 2009
and regular observing is expected to begin in 2010. Shortly after full operational capability for
SOFIA, the observatory will conduct approximately 1000 hours of scientific flights per year. The
Observatory has an anticipated 20 year lifetime.
SOFIA is a joint project between NASA and German Aerospace Center, DLR. The Universities
Space Research Association (USRA) and Deutsches SOFIA Institut (DSI) will operate the SOFIA
Science Center at NASA’s Ames Research Center for NASA. The aircraft observatory will be
based at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility (DAOF)
at Site 9 in Palmdale.
USRA/SOFIA is seeking a DIRECTOR FOR SCIENCE MISSION OPERATIONS (DSMO).
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
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Leadership and management of a cohesive, combined international science team
composed of USRA and DSI personnel, including a DSI deputy whose responsibilities are
described in a posting by the University of Stuttgart found at www.dsi.uni-stuttgart.de.
Directing, supervising and providing technical and management guidance of the combined
USRA and DSI staff and the observatory equipment, instrumentation, support facilities, and
infrastructure within the budget constraint as to maximize the science productivity of the
observatory.
Planning and execution of the Early Science Milestone in support of the SOFIA Science
Center for first scientific observations in early 2009 with limited operational capabilities,
followed by development and operations leading to full operating capabilities in 2013.
Providing strategic interface to the NASA Program and Project Managers, and their
partners on a routine basis to ensure the continued success of current obligations.
Supervise and provide technical and management guidance on the Outreach to the
Scientific Community and monitor the Education & Public Outreach Program.
The DSMO with input from the SOFIA Science Council, NASA and German Oversight
groups, will develop and keep current both short-range and long range plans for the
Observatory, including such issues as maintenance of existing capabilities and prospects
and plans for instrumentation and upgrading the Observatory facilities. Staffing and
budgetary projects are to be part of these plans.
Oversee the scheduling of the telescope for science and engineering so as to meet the
scientific goal of the user community as effectively and efficiently as possible.
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It is expected that the DSMO will maintain a program of personal research depending on
his/her interest and qualifications and consistent with project schedules.
The DSMO reports to the President of USRA.
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JOB LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
 The position will be based at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View California.
 Domestic and international travel will be frequent including multiple visit to the Dryden
Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base and Palmdale California and the DAOF.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:
 PhD from an accredited University with emphasis in Astronomy, Physics, or related field
preferred.
 Minimum 10 years of experience leading complex, scientific-technical programs.
 Experience with multi-disciplined projects; including investigative science, engineering,
proposal development, and procurement.
 Experience with the operational planning and/or operational execution of observatory
support
 Working knowledge of project scheduling tools and management.
 Excellent Customer focus with proven oral and written communication skills.
 Experience in collecting, analyzing and presenting proposals to project teams, upper
management, and the Customer.
 Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work in a diverse team environment.
 Excellent written and verbal communication in English is required, fluency in written and
spoken German a plus.
 Have an active personal research program.
Compensation for this position is competitive, and based on candidates’ experience and expertise.
E-Mail your Resume or CV to: jobsearch@usra.edu with list of publications, and a description of your
research interests in Word or PDF with your last name and job number (example ‘Smith S0819’) as the
document title. Please specify in your cover letter names and contact information of three references
and if you will require an employer sponsored Visa.
USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security
check. USRA performs detailed background investigations on all candidates as a condition of hire.
The application deadline is November 30 however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
POSTED: 9/05/08
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