Executive Director, Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC)

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The California Institute of Technology is seeking an Executive Director for the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC). Located on the Caltech campus, IPAC serves an international community as an archive and science center for various missions and projects in astronomy and planetary science. Beginning with the IRAS mission in 1985 and spanning through Herschel, Spitzer, WISE/NEOWISE, Euclid, and the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), IPAC has enabled transformative research of the entire sky. IPAC provides science operations, user support, data services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. Going forward, IPAC is the primary science data center for the Roman Coronagraph Instrument, the SPHEREx all-sky infrared survey, the Near Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor, Lunar Trailblazer, and the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX), missions that are preparing to launch in the year and years ahead!

This is an Organizational Critical position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as organizational critical is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible to assist in division/department response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

The Executive Director of IPAC oversees large-scale astronomical data processing and management projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. This role involves recruiting and supervising a diverse team of ~150 highly-qualified scientific, technical, and administrative personnel. Together with this resilient workforce, the Executive Director strives for excellence in maintaining IPAC's status as a premier science and data center. The Executive Director leads strategic planning for IPAC, in collaboration with the scientific community and in coordination with leadership at Caltech and JPL, developing the case for IPAC's involvement in new missions and initiatives.

The Executive Director is also responsible for promoting the optimal scientific use of IPAC's capabilities and resources by the broader astronomical community. The position liaises with funding agencies to support IPAC's goals and represents Caltech in national and international forums related to astronomy on matters pertaining to IPAC. The Executive Director reports directly to Caltech's Division Chair for Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy or related field.
• 10+ years of experience and demonstrated capabilities in managing scientific research projects or facilities.
• Demonstrated skill in fostering teamwork in small as well as larger work units.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interface with external project offices and government funding agencies.
• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder.

Required Documents

• CV/Resume
• In addition to uploading a CV/resume, please submit the following: cover letter, curriculum vita, vision statement for IPAC, and the names of at least three references, in a submission to fahpma@caltech.edu.

All applications received before September 30, 2024, will receive full consideration.