Deputy Director, International Gemini Observatory bei Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab

The International Gemini Observatory is seeking a Deputy Director to help lead an extraordinary team of scientists, engineers and other professionals to enable groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics. Gemini’s twin 8.1-meter optical / infrared telescopes provide full-sky access from two of the world’s best astronomical sites, Maunakea, Hawai‘i and Cerro Pachón, Chile.

The Gemini Observatory is funded by an international partnership including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. Gemini is operated on behalf of its partners by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Optical and Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), under a cooperative agreement with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).

A revitalized suite of instruments, adaptive optics, telescope controls and user support infrastructure will position Gemini to be the premier large-aperture follow-up facility for time domain astronomy in the era of the Rubin Observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. First light at Rubin has occurred, to be followed by the launch of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time and its transient alert stream. Gemini is ideally positioned to amplify the power of Rubin.

The Gemini Observatory Deputy Director will assist the Gemini Observatory Director in the execution of their duties and in managing the internal and external affairs of the Observatory. The position is based in Chile or at NOIRLab Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, however, preference will be given to candidates who are willing to be based in Chile.

Essential Functions

Management Oversight

• Support and assist the Gemini Director in the discharge of their duties and assist with internal and external affairs of the Observatory, including:
  • Providing internal leadership to Gemini Observatory.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations and make operational decisions in support of Gemini’s mission.
  • Resolving personnel and staff management issues and serving as a liaison with AURA Human Resources for retention and recruitment.
  • Representing the Gemini program at National meetings and with AURA, NOIRLab, and Gemini governance bodies, liaising with the Gemini Participants on their requirements for the Observatory.
  • Assist in the tracking and management of ongoing contracting actions.
• Serve as a key member of the Gemini Observatory Directorate and a member of the NOIRLab Management Team.

Planning & Budget Management

• Support the Director in the strategic planning of observatory affairs, preparation of the annual program operating plan and budget, and the reporting on the Cooperative Support Agreement with the NSF.
• Prepare and report on the Director and Deputy Director budgets.
• Provide oversight of the Gemini Portfolio Management Office (GPMO).

Communications and Governance

• In partnership with Director and NOIRLab’s Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) team support the Observatory’s strategic communications as well as internal and external communications.
• Lead and coordinate preparations for oversight committees; assisting the Director in preparing for the Science and Technology Advisory Committee meeting, the Gemini Board meeting, the NOIRLab Management Oversight Council, and NSF Reviews.
• Must be willing to travel internationally extensively.
• Must be willing to spend significant time at all Gemini sites (Hawaii, Chile, and Tucson).

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• PhD in astronomy or closely related field
• Internationally recognized scientist with broad interests beyond the field of research
• Familiarity with ground-based and/or space-based observatory operations
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking skills
• Motivation and ability to identify and implement new strategic directions for the Observatory in a team environment
• Strong personnel-staff management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Effective technical writing and public speaking communication skills
• At least 7+ years of PhD experience as research scientist, astrophysicist, or other related scientific field-discipline.
• With a minimum of 3+ years of experience working in a leadership position (in a university, an observatory, and/or an equivalent science or research organization).
• Extensive experience in people, personnel-staff management, and leadership skills.

Preferences

• Enthusiasm for scientific discoveries and for observational astronomy;
• Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.
• Creativity, innovation, and a dedication to serving the community.
• Excellent people management skills and building high performance teams.
• Aptitude for dealing with strategic and tactical problems and issues.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of Gemini staff, Board members, oversight and advisory committee members, and users throughout the Gemini partnership

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function. Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).

Physical Demands

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 be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified.

Salary Range

$171,000 - 195,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualification, experience and job location. 

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

How to Apply

Apply by October 15, 2025, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]