Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager Posting Number req20045 Department Steward Observatory Department Website Link Location Main Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The Department of Astronomy & Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona is seeking a senior Research Project Manager (Research Manager IV) to serve on the NASA-funded Aspera Mission, in addition to other Steward Observatory projects.

The selected candidate will be responsible for managing projects that utilize engineering and technical support in the development and implementation of space and ground-based telescopes.

The selected candidate will develop, implement, and maintain operational plans, programs, systems, and technical aspects of contracts that require a high degree of innovation and creativity.

Technical work includes optics handling / alignment, instrumentation development, and various supporting functions for subsystems of telescopes during development, fabrication, and operation.

This position requires broad knowledge and experience across multiple professional disciplines.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays;

UA / ASU / NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

Manages technical research projects to oversee planning, execution, completion, scope, schedule, budget, and risk of research on behalf of the Principal Investigator.

Prepares proposals and assist with securing future research funds in conjunction with Principal Investigators, Business Office, and UA Administration.

Develops, implements, and maintains operational plans, programs, systems, and technical aspects of contracts requiring a high degree of innovation, creativity, and integration.

Accountable for strategic and operational direction of a large and complex technical group within the College of Science and external colleges.

Has significant impact on short-and mid-term research project plans. Coordinates, monitors, and / or supervises the activities of designated technical subgroups, monitoring progress of work to achieve success of research projects.

Develops and schedules work plans in accordance with specifications and funding limitations; oversees daily operations and coordinates activities of project expenditures.

• Coordinates activities of projects, staff, and departments with interrelated activities to ensure optimum efficiency of effort, conservation of funds, and compliance with appropriate policies, procedures, and specifications.
• Managing research team(s), including technical professionals and other managers, which includes hiring and training, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and standards for research.
• Manages projects that utilize engineering and technical support in the development and implementation of space- and ground-based telescopes.

Technical work includes : optics handling / alignment, instrumentation development, and various supporting functions for subsystems of telescopes during development, fabrication, and operation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional

teams and drive consensus on project priorities and decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, or related field and a minimum of 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering experience with optics, telescopes, electronics, instrumentation, astronomy, and custom machines.
• Experience leading projects during all stages of the project lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, testing, and delivery.
• Experience managing external collaborators, including vendors and subcontractors.
• Expertise using project management tools (, Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence, etc.)
• Previous experience working on NASA spaceflight projects preferred.
• Experience with hands-on integration and testing of contamination-sensitive flight hardware is a plus.

FLSA Exempt Full Time / Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay $99,901 - $129,871 Compensation Type salary at full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 12 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education / training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade.

Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture.

To learn more about compensation, please review our and our . Grade Range Minimum $99901 Grade Range Midpoint $129871 Grade Range Maximum $159847 Career Stream and Level M4 Job Family Researchers & Scientists Job Function Research Type of criminal background check required : Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Open Date 7 / 22 / 2024 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed