Description
NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.
The Chief Technology Officer and Director for Software (CTO-DS) provides senior technical leadership, management, and strategy for NOIRLab’s activities in software engineering, scientific computing and information technology (IT), and scientific data management systems. A member of the NOIRLab Leadership Team (LT), the CTO-DS will serve as the head of a new Data Management and Software (DMS) division at NOIRLab. DMS will be a Level 1 component of NOIRLab, responsible for delivering coordinated solutions to the software and data management needs of NOIRLab’s programs, services, directorate, and cross-cutting initiatives. The CTO-DS will lead the organizational design and implementation of the DMS division, working closely with senior NOIRLab leadership and with the current leaders of the software- and data-focused technical teams across NOIRLab and Rubin Observatory Construction.
The Goals For DMS Are To
- Establish an integrated organizational framework for the development, deployment, maintenance, and evolution of software engineering and data-management competencies at NOIRLab.
- Deliver high-quality software and data management solutions to NOIRLab’s scientific programs and matrix services.
- Enable progress towards a more integrated, standardized, and scientifically empowering set of data management services and platforms for the global astronomy user community.
- Provide unified technical leadership, strategy, and technology selection to ensure standardization and interoperability of software systems and professionals across NOIRLab.
- Coordinate NOIRLab’s activities of research and development into emerging software, computing, and data-management technologies.
- Support the recruitment, retention, and long-term professional development of software engineering staff across NOIRLab.
- Provide a unified framework for coordination and collaboration with peer centers and institutions on topics of data management and software.
- Ensure that NOIRLab’s core IT systems and processes are modern, well-coordinated, and aligned with the Lab’s scientific, technical, business-process, and cybersecurity needs.
Essential Functions
As the leader of the design and implementation of DMS, the CTO-DS will:
- Work as a member of the NOIRLab LT to ensure that the design and implementation of DMS is responsive to the scientific and programmatic goals of NSF, NOIRLab and its constituent programs and services, the astronomical user community, and other key stakeholders.
- Formulate an organizational structure to provide functional and technical management of software engineering staff.
- Develop a plan for potential reorganization of NOIRLab IT to ensure appropriate support for modern scientific software, computing, and data-management systems.
- Work with the LT and with AURA and NOIRLab financial and administrative staff to design and implement a cost model for DMS within NOIRLab.
- Manage the transition of software engineering staff from NOIRLab Engineering and scientist-programmers from Research Science Services to DMS.
- Maintain initial continuity of established software and data management teams across the transition into the new DMS organization.
- Ensure a successful transition of Rubin Data Management staff into the NOIRLab DMS organization.
As the head of NOIRLab DMS once it is implemented, the CTO-DS will:
- Serve as the overall technical leader and manager of software engineering, data management, and scientific computing systems staff.
- Serve as NOIRLab’s senior technical leader for software, data management, and scientific computing.
- Work with NOIRLab’s program and service directors to ensure that their groups’ software and data-management development and operational needs are met.
- Implement and oversee a system for prioritization, project definition, effort estimation, work breakdown, budgeting, tracking, and reporting of NOIRLab’s software and data-management activities.
- Ensure accountability of DMS software teams to deliver results for NOIRLab.
- Establish and promulgate uniform best practices for software development and software systems operation within NOIRLab.
- Plan and manage the evolution of NOIRLab’s software teams and DMS internal structure over time.
- Lead the recruitment, retention, and professional development of data-management and software engineering staff at NOIRLab.
- Formulate Lab-wide strategy and standards for software development and technology selection.
- Promote and model a culture of respect, inclusion, diversity, excellence, and continuous improvement within DMS.
- Serve as the principal point-of-contact for all technical matters related to NOIRLab software and data management.
Other Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in a computer science or related field.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading software projects, teams, and/or organizations.
- Substantial generalist knowledge of methods and practices across multiple areas of software engineering, computing, and data management.
- Strong ability to present and communicate ideas effectively in the English language.
- Ability to gain respect of technical professionals and lead diverse teams.
- Ability to develop and administer effective business and operations plans.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities
- Enthusiasm for the scientific research- and service-oriented mission of NOIRLab.
- Experience leading organizational change.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, or willingness to learn Spanish.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must possess the ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job.
- Travel will be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
For US based position, the salary range is: $234,600 – $265,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/
If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV or resume along with a Cover Letter in English (PDF files). Also, kindly provide contact information of 3 professional references in your application, as references will be contacted later in the recruiting process. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname.Docname. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by July 19, 2024.
- Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred.
- Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
- Please enter 3 professional references in your application.
Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research.
As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations.
