2021 UC Observatories Director Search

The University of California seeks a Director for the University of California Observatories (UCO) with a compelling vision and commitment to lead the organization in this transformative period for astronomy nationally and globally. The next UCO Director will play a major role in shaping the future of the University’s participation in its ground-based optical-infrared observatories and maintaining its global leadership in optical-infrared astronomy. Leading UCO, the Director will advance groundbreaking work in astronomy and astrophysics.

The University of California Observatories is a Multicampus Research Unit of the University of California System. The UCO coordinates and supports researchers’ access to the suite of world-class observing and research facilities, which currently include the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton, managed exclusively by UCO and owned by the UC Board of Regents, and the W.M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, managed by UC and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). On the horizon is the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), which is being designed and developed by a consortium that includes UC, Caltech, and international partners. UC Observatories is headquartered at UC Santa Cruz, a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.  Core instrumentation laboratories are located at UC Santa Cruz and at UCLA. Nine UC campuses participate in the UCO, as do the three UC-affiliated DOE National Laboratories, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The University of California has retained Opus Partners (https://opuspartners.net/news/director_uco) to support this recruitment. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be sent to Craig Smith, Partner, at craig.smith@opuspartners.net.  In order to interview with the UCO search committee, candidates must formally apply via Opus Partners and must provide a resume, a cover letter, and a statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Review of applications will begin in May. Anticipated start date for the Director is Fall 2021.

Information and updates on the search for the UC community will be posted on this website.