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 Dryden Aircrat Operations Facility (DAOD) at Site 9 in Palmdale. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDED, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• The DSMO in alignment with the DSI Deputy, the DSMO shall direct, supervise and provide technical and management guidance of the combined USRA and DSI staff and the observatory equipment, instrumentation, support facilities, and infrastructure within the budget constraints as to maximize the science productivity of the observatory.
• The DSMO in alignment with the DSI Deputy will be responsibile for the 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.
• The DSMO in alignment with the DSI Deputy shall provide stategic interface to the NASA Dryden Program Manager, the NAS Ames Science Project Manager, and the NASA Dryden Platform Project Manager and its partners on a routine basis to ensure the continued success of current obligations.
• The DSMO shall supervise and provide technical and management guidance on the Outreach to the Scientific Community and monitor the Education and Public Outreach Program.
• The DSMO with input from the SOFIA Science Council, NASA and German Oversight groups, 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.  
• The DSMO in alignment with the DSI Deputy shall 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.
• The DSMO will be expected to perform personal reserach depending on projet schedules and qualifications.
• The DSMO reports to the President of USRA. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: 

• Minimum of a PhD preferred from an accredited University with emphasis in Astronomy, Physics, or related field.
• 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 knowlwedge 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. 

To apply:

E-mail your Resume or CV to: DSMO@sofia.usra.edu with salary requirements, list of publications, and a description of your research interest in Word or PDF with your last name and job number (S0819) as the document title. Please specify in your cover letter names and contact information of three (3) references and if you will require an employer sponsored Visa.

Visit: http://www.sofia.usra.edu  Look under the employment link for a detailed job description of this position as well as other positions we are  hiring for. 

WHO WE ARE:

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is dedicated to advancing space sciences and exploration through innovation research, technology, and educational programs.

SOFIA Program:

The Stratospheric Obesrvatory for Infrared Astronomy (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 flight is expected in early 2009 and regular observing is expected to begin in 2010.  SOFIA is ajoint projet between NASA and German Aerospace Center. DLR.  USRA will operate the SOFIA Science Center at NASA's Ames Reseach Center for NASA. The aircraft observatory will be based at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale.