USRA is accepting applications for the position of Associate Director for Science which has a primary responsibility for integrating the scientific operation science instruments baseline for the SOFIA Observatory which includes supervising the functional managers for the Science Operatons, Science Instruments, and the Educations and Public Outreach (EPO) Programs.  The successful candidate should have a strong interest in SOFIA and be actively pursuing research that will benefit from SOFIA observations. The Associate Director for Science will have 20 - 50% time available for personal research depending on project schedules and qualifications. The candidate will have an office at NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA.  The Associate Director for Science is expected to spend significat time at the Science Operations Center at the Palmdale site during integration and operations. The Associate Director for Science will be expected to communicate and coordinate science issues with the NASA program office and the Airborne Systems Operations Director. The Associate Director for Science will be expected to provide strategic interface with NASA and its partners.

Qualifications and Experience required for this position: 

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years experience, beyond the Ph.D in astronomical research.
• Expert in Airborne Observatory Operations is highly desirable.
• A background in ground and/or space based Infrared sub-millimeter Astronomy is desired. 

To apply:

E-mail your Resume or CV to: ADFS@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 (S0804) 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.