USRA is accepting applications for the position of ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS  which has the primary responsibility and the authority to lead the effort to formulate the science operations structure for the SOFIA Science Center (SSC) and the SOFIA Operations Center (SOC) at the Palmdale site.  The Associate Director for Operations will insure the SSC operations structure and organization are developed and implemented such that all requirments, policies, technical observations and data archiving, are appropriately defined, maintained and managed. The Associate Director for Operations will be expected to provide strategic interface with NASA and its partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE FOR THIS POSITION: 

• BA or BS degree in science and engineering management or equivalent. A MS or PhD is preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of management experience in major technical or scientific programs. Knowledge and association with National Aeronautics and Space Administration science operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in operations of complex systems with diverse user requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex strategic planning initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitation of team planning and team execution of complex processes.
• Experience in written communications that express complex or technical content in understandable terms.
• Demonstrated experience in systems management and active participation in the development process.
• Superior verbal communiction skills and experience in presentations to large and/or diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently; use good judgment and make decisions.
• Demonstratd leadership skills and ability to lead through persuasion, knowledge, and example.
• Demonstrated experience in requirements formulation and tracking.
  

To apply:

E-mail your Resume or CV to: ado@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 (S0814) as the document title. Please specify in your cover letter names and contact information of theree (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.