Position Summary
With two 8.4m mirrors on a common mount that can be combined to form an interferometer with an effective aperture of 23m, complemented with adaptive secondary mirrors, the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is the largest optical telescope in operation. Providing unprecedented ground-based resolution at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths, the LBT is a forerunner of the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). With a suite of state of the art instruments nearing completion, the observatory is moving to full operation while adding new capabilities such as ground-layer AO and new AO-fed instrumentation.
The LBT Observatory is looking for a Program Manager (PM) who will lead the implementation of the Observatory development plan aimed at fully exploiting the unique capabilities of the telescope in the decade (at least) preceding the scientific exploitation of the current ELT projects.
The PM will work closely with the Observatory Director and will be part of the Management Team in an Integrated Product Team environment.
The PM will have a strong skill set in program and/or project management and the proven ability to coordinate teams in a highly technical and scientifically oriented environment. Experience or background in astronomy or the physical sciences is desired.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Program Manager (PM) will be, with the group managers, the enabler of the Director’s blueprint for the observatory. Cognizant of the priorities for the observatory set by the Director, the PM will work closely with the group managers who supervise the activities of the staff to achieve the goals of the observatory.
In close collaboration with the Observatory Director, the PM will
The PM is Tucson-based, but is expected to spend time as needed at the LBT site (10,500 ft elevation) working with Mountain Management staff on operations. Occasional travel to the Partner institutions in the US and Europe, as well as professional conference attendance, is expected. The PM position does not entail direct staff supervision, except in the PM’s management role for specific projects.
Mandatory Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
Desired Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
Included Benefits:
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members; access to campus cultural and recreational activities; state retirement, and more.
More information on the UA Employee Benefits: http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/
With two 8.4m mirrors on a common mount that can be combined to form an interferometer with an effective aperture of 23m, complemented with adaptive secondary mirrors, the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is the largest optical telescope in operation. Providing unprecedented ground-based resolution at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths, the LBT is a forerunner of the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). With a suite of state of the art instruments nearing completion, the observatory is moving to full operation while adding new capabilities such as ground-layer AO and new AO-fed instrumentation.
The LBT Observatory is looking for a Program Manager (PM) who will lead the implementation of the Observatory development plan aimed at fully exploiting the unique capabilities of the telescope in the decade (at least) preceding the scientific exploitation of the current ELT projects.
The PM will work closely with the Observatory Director and will be part of the Management Team in an Integrated Product Team environment.
The PM will have a strong skill set in program and/or project management and the proven ability to coordinate teams in a highly technical and scientifically oriented environment. Experience or background in astronomy or the physical sciences is desired.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Program Manager (PM) will be, with the group managers, the enabler of the Director’s blueprint for the observatory. Cognizant of the priorities for the observatory set by the Director, the PM will work closely with the group managers who supervise the activities of the staff to achieve the goals of the observatory.
In close collaboration with the Observatory Director, the PM will
- lead the development of the annual Program Plan (PP), with deliverables, milestones, budget, and schedule components,
- coordinate and track projects and efforts (hereafter referred to as “the tasks”) that are strategic in nature (e.g. PP, long term developments), and/or span disciplines and groups, including summer shutdown activities.
- implement the tasks along with maintaining and improving the existing infrastructure,
- be responsible, in close collaboration with the Group Managers, for ensuring that the tasks are accomplished in a prioritized and efficient manner,
- have the authority to prioritize the implementation of the tasks according to the available resources,
- keep the Director informed of the progress, successes and challenges encountered in completing the tasks,
- implement program management best practices to schedule and track the execution of the tasks and the relevant resources, and
- manage, in close collaboration with the Director, programmatic relationships with instrument teams and vendors.
The PM is Tucson-based, but is expected to spend time as needed at the LBT site (10,500 ft elevation) working with Mountain Management staff on operations. Occasional travel to the Partner institutions in the US and Europe, as well as professional conference attendance, is expected. The PM position does not entail direct staff supervision, except in the PM’s management role for specific projects.
Mandatory Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
- Undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in a science, engineering, project management, operations management, or program management area; or equivalent relevant experience;
- At least seven (7) years of experience with program or project management within a high-technology environment;
- Excellent critical thinking skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrated ability to run multiple cross-functional projects to successful completion;
- Good English oral and written communication skills;
Desired Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of senior, executive level management;
- At least seven (15) years of experience with program or project management within a high-technology environment;
- Post-graduate qualification in management, engineering or physical sciences;
- Experience or background in astronomy or the physical sciences;
Included Benefits:
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members; access to campus cultural and recreational activities; state retirement, and more.
More information on the UA Employee Benefits: http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/
You can search vacant positions at the University of Arizona (and LBTO) by visiting the Human Resources website here: https://uacareers.com/postings/search