Job Title: Rubin Observatory US Data Facility Lead

SLAC Job Postings

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a next-generation astronomical facility currently under construction in Chile, with staff distributed across multiple sites, one of which is SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) , which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive astronomy surveys of its kind. Rubin will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research-discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves. SLAC will be partnering with NSF's NOIRLab to operate Rubin, and is managing the Rubin US Data Facilities. The US Data Facility at SLAC is the primary data processing center for the LSST data, handling all of the nightly image processing, over a third of the annual data release processing, hosts the US Data Access Center in the Google Cloud, and is the primary data archive for Rubin Observatory.

SLAC was the lead lab for construction of the LSST Camera, and will continue to provide scientific and technical support for LSSTCam during Rubin survey operations. SLAC is also the host laboratory for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration. More generally, SLAC has a broad and vibrant scientific program in fundamental physics, with current research topics including cosmic survey science, cosmic microwave background, direct dark matter searches, proton collider physics and neutrino physics, as well as theoretical and computational physics. SLAC and Stanford are partners in the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC), which hosts a broad program in astrophysics.

SLAC invites you to apply for a senior scientist position at SLAC from which you will hold the Rubin Observatory role of US Data Facility Lead. The next few years will be a very exciting time for Rubin Observatory as the USDF becomes a production facility and image data starts to flow from the biggest digital camera in the world. This is a truly unique opportunity to join the operations team that will make Rubin 's LSST reach its ground-breaking science goals.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options.

Your responsibilities will include the following:
Continue the evolution and implementation of the USDF scope, working with other teams in Operations, SLAC Scientific Computing and Google Cloud. Coordinate multi-site processing with the UK and French facilities and data distribution with the Independent Data Access Centers. Ensure the reliable operation of the USDF. Oversee the planning and acquisition of computing hardware needed for the various activities, the largest being Data Release Processing. Represent Rubin and FPD on SLAC advisory panels. As lead for FPD's largest computing enterprise, advise FPD management on strategies and advocate for FPD's other projects in SLAC forums. Lead a team of about 20 people organized into 4 groups, which is a key component of the Rubin Data Management Operations (RDM) department. You will be a member of the RDM management team, advising the Associate Director on all matters relating to the Rubin Data Facilities. To be successful in this position you will bring:
A Ph.D. in astronomy or physics or related fields. At least 10 years of experience involving management of a large scientific computing program, such as a major astrophysics mission, an HEP experiment Tier 1 or Tier 2 data center, etc., as well as research in a related field. Organizational and communication skills, with the ability to learn quickly and convey complex technical concepts effectively with a diverse population, such that you are able to work productively in a multinational team. Dependability, flexibility, and willingness to take initiative. Demonstrated ability to carry out innovative research, collaborating closely with colleagues working both locally and remotely. Applying for these positions, you should know that:

SLAC is committed to increasing the diversity of its staff and to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment, and we encourage applications from candidates who will diversify the lab's workforce in scientific computing and fundamental physics. Above all we are looking for someone enthusiastic with a desire to learn and experiment in a highly supportive and collaborative environment.

You will have the opportunity to carry out a program of original research in the SLAC Cosmic Frontier program (including, for example, cosmology analysis in the LSST DESC) in about 20% of your time. A research mentor on the faculty or staff at KIPAC will help you develop your research program. This 20% provides time to design and oversee research projects with students, postdocs, faculty and other staff at KIPAC. As a senior member of KIPAC you will help shape the scientific direction of the institute.

SLAC offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and an attractive, inclusive and collaborative work environment in the foothills of Silicon Valley. Relocation expenses will be covered.

In your application, you should please include a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, a CV, a publication list, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation to be submitted. We encourage applicants to follow the structure of the AAS advice on the contents of CVs and research statements given here: https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines. Applicants are welcome to provide an additional statement (up to one page) that discusses their experience with or commitment to engaging in mentoring, outreach, teaching, public policy, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that diversify the field.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but must be received by December 15, 2023 to ensure full consideration. You should direct questions to the Chair of the Search Committee, Phil Marshall ( pjm@slac.stanford.edu ). More information about KIPAC can be found at http://kipac.stanford.edu

SLAC Manager Competencies : Results through Others : Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others. Aligns Priorities : Ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts; ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans. Applies Lab Acumen : Maintains understanding of lab efforts and direction as well as current research and trends, considers technology and customer impacts, and contributes relevant, informed ideas to lab growth. Navigates Complexity : Manages a multitude of information and complex circumstances to discern what is most important; demonstrates effective problem-solving, decision-making, and takes appropriate action, even in difficult situations or with conflicting data. Builds Trust : Earns trust and credibility from team members, peers and stakeholders; demonstrates SLAC values of respect and integrity. Relationships : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve team, department/directorate and lab goals. Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences; delivers clear and appropriate written and verbal communications; makes clear and impactful presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences. Self-Awareness: Seeks feedback from others and takes ownership of, and actions to address what is learned; recognizes impact on others and adjusts as needed; pursues continuous learning opportunities; implements a meaningful development plan. Team Effectiveness : Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative team environment; leverages team members' strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations. Purpose & Vision : Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. May work extended hours during peak business cycles. Work Standards: Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Classification Title: Senior Scientist

Grade: N10

Job code: 1095

Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $190,000 to $271,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.