ALMA Observatory Scientist

Duties and Responsibilities

The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) is seeking an Observatory Scientist with extensive experience for coordinating and organizing scientific activities at the ALMA radio astronomy observatory in Chile.

The Observatory Scientist is an international, key management position within the Joint ALMA Observatory and she/he will report to the ALMA Director. The Observatory Scientist will provide ongoing scientific leadership for astronomy staff, and continue to lead the efforts to maximizing the scientific performance and impact of the array through continued improvement including but not limited to the development program.

The staff of the Joint ALMA Observatory is composed of both international and local (Chilean) staff members. There are presently more than 20 nationalities originating from six continents represented in ALMA. Local and international staff have duty stations at one of two sites, the Santiago office in Vitacura and the Operations Support Facility (OSF) near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile.

Main Duties and Key responsibilities include:

• Support the ALMA Director and Deputy Director, providing guidance and strategic advice in fostering and organizing the scientific activity at the Joint ALMA Observatory, particularly mentoring junior scientific staff.
• Provide the ALMA Director and Deputy Director with data and reports necessary to communicate key JAO scientific issues to the ALMA Board, Directors Council, Executives and the JAO Core Management Team.
• Coordinate science activities with the ALMA Regional Centers and the Program Scientists.
• Act as a point of contact for the ALMA Science Advisory Committee (ASAC)
• Be in charge of organizing the ALMA Proposal Review Process.
• Chair the Committee reviewing the Discretionary Directorial Time (DDT) proposals.
• Steer the gradual improvement of the array capabilities by, amongst other, providing scientific guidance to the development program.

Professional Requirements/Qualifications

Applicants for this position shall fulfill the following requirements:

• PhD in astronomy, physics or related field.
• Direct experience working at a major astronomical observatory, such as a radio interferometer facility.
• Proven track record of scientific leadership and profile with international community.
• Five years or more experience dealing with complex and multinational distribution of stakeholders is preferred.
• Direct experience dealing with multinational observer community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are mandatory.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
• Ability to travel internationally and to the observatory in the North of Chile for prolonged overnight stays.

Due to travel requirements and work at high altitudes, a successful high altitude medical check is a necessary condition of employment for this position.

Duty Station / Location of Position

The duty station is the Santiago office with travel to the Operations Support Facility (OSF) at 2900 meters near San Pedro de Atacama. International travel will be required.

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

Contract

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension based on technical and managerial achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Remuneration

ALMA International Staff will be recruited as employees of either ESO or AUI/NRAO or NAOJ. Each of these employers offer competitive remuneration packages including a competitive salary as well as comprehensive social benefits, and provide financial support in relocating families. Furthermore, if applicable, an expatriation allowance as well as some other allowances will be added.

Application Process

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by submitting an application to ESO, AUI/NRAO or NAOJ. Applications must be completed in English and should include a cover letter, CV, and three letters of reference.

Applicants submitting their application to ESO are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. The position requires three letters of reference which shall be sent to vacancies@alma.cl.

Applicants submitting their application to AUI/NRAO are invited to apply online at https://cw.halogensoftware.com/nrao/index.do. Also, three reference letters are required.

Applicants submitting their application to NAOJ are invited to apply by sending their cover letter, CV and three letters of reference via email to Tetsuo Hasegawa at tetsuo.hasegawa@nao.ac.jp.

Deadline for receipt of applications to be considered for the position is 30 April 2015. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

ESO, NAOJ and the NRAO are Equal Opportunity Employers. The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.