Director, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP)

Requisition Number: 57322

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 09-Aug-2024

Date Posted:

Job Summary

Attention: This is a listing for visibility, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE.

The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of the LASP Director. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, Ann K. Adams, Associate Partner, and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. LASP has a deep interest in efforts to foster and promote belonging, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition to their CV and letter of interest, candidates should submit a one-page statement on how their research, teaching, and/or leadership and service demonstrate an active commitment to belonging, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Examples might include scholarly work, efforts to improve access and equity for underrepresented individuals or groups, or other contributions to diverse communities, past and present. Candidates should send their CV, letter of interest, and one-page statement to ann.adams@opuspartners.net (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5340782&targetURL=ann.adams@opuspartners.net) or jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5340782&targetURL=jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net)

Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

The University of Colorado Boulder (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5340782&targetURL=https://www.colorado.edu/) (CU Boulder) seeks an accomplished, strategic visionary, and administrative leader to serve as the Director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5340782&targetURL=https://lasp.colorado.edu/) (LASP) . The Director is the administrative head of LASP with primary responsibility for leadership by developing new ideas and strategies for the future, working with staff and faculty toward a shared vision for LASP, overseeing its management, business development and financial operations, and fulfilling LASP's mission of training the next generation of diverse interdisciplinary space scientists.

LASP is one of CU Boulder's 12 research institutes and is extraordinarily successful as one of the largest institutes at CU Boulder. In FY23, LASP surpassed all CU Boulder research institutes in the total dollar value of sponsored research proposals ($367,609,300), sponsored awards (254), and sponsored award dollars ($159,173,761). Together, these institutes employ more than 3,000 faculty, researchers, students and supporting staff, among them some of the most productive researchers in the country. The institutes generate more than half of all sponsored-research dollars at the University and make a major contribution to the local and regional economy.

The University expects applicants to have an outstanding record of achievement in large-scale space-science research and the ability to lead and manage a large, complex organization. The Director is LASP's Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the University's Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

By many measures, LASP is one of the largest research institutes of CU Boulder, the #1 public university recipient of NASA research grants, and one of Americas leading aerospace universities. With a focus on solar, stellar, space plasma, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, LASP employs both experimental and theoretical approaches to answer key science questions. Since its inception in 1948, LASP has developed, operated, and analyzed the data from scientific instrumentation for solar science, earth atmospheric, planetary, deep-space, and Earth-orbiting spacecraft missions investigating the Sun, all eight planets, Pluto and beyond. The progressive development of research capabilities and use of innovative technologies in pursuit of emerging research initiatives ensures a continued leadership role for LASP in todays growing "new space" era.

To achieve its scientific and technical goals, LASP relies on cooperative and collaborative engagements between management, scientists, engineers, mission operators, data analysts, and support personnel. In the last decade, and even more in the last five years, LASP has broadened and diversified its sponsor base beyond the core federal agencies - NASA, DOD, and NSF - to engage other US governmental partners as well as international and industry partners in the rapidly growing commercial space sector, which remains an attractive - and increasingly competitive - area of growth for LASP to navigate.

An important element of LASPs mission is to train the next generation of space scientists and engineers: through wide-ranging research projects, LASP participates actively in the development of the future leaders of space research and is a leader in educating students with highly valued technical and scientific skills. Undergraduate and graduate student participation is integral to LASPs R&D and operational success. In this regard, LASP has been both a contributor to and beneficiary of the remarkable growth of the state of Colorados space sector.

Thanks to its distinctive combination of scientific and engineering expertise and its ability both to manage long-term collaborations with agencies such as NASA and to respond to faster-moving opportunities with commercial sponsors, LASP has grown rapidly in the last decade, with expenditures that exceed well over $100M annually, secured through grants, contracts, and other funding vehicles. Some 400 of LASPs 700 staff are technical staff and research scientists. The LASP community includes tenure/tenure-track faculty, approximately 175 student employees, 65 graduate students, and 20 postdocs.

LASP has emerged as one of a small set of academic space centers able to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of space exploration. Its ability to blend space science with hardware design, development, and implementation, as well as mission operations, data management, and skilled administration, is increasingly rare among university-based space centers. With a dozen or more flight programs in development at any time, the capability to build multiple instruments simultaneously, and the demonstrated experience to concurrently operate more than 100 space instruments, LASP is a leader in space exploration. Recently, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) designated LASP as the first COSPAR Center of Excellence for Capacity Building in CubeSat Technologies (https://lasp.colorado.edu/2024/05/16/lasp-designated-first-center-of-excellence-on-cubesat-technology/) .

LASP sustains a firm commitment to creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive based on its collective belief that this approach is fundamental to enabling peak creativity, innovation, and curiosity and that each persons unique individual experiences and points of view contribute to discovery. LASP strives to advance DEIA-diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility-and to educate the next generation of diverse leaders in space research.

Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, CU Boulder stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. As one of only 36 U.S. public research institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), it is a cornerstone of higher education, deeply committed to the pillars of teaching, research, and service.

With eight distinguished colleges and schools, CU Boulder boasts an enrollment of over 36,000 students guided by a dedicated faculty comprising more than 1,800 tenured, tenure-track, and teaching-track professors. As the largest campus within the renowned University of Colorado system, CU Boulder prides itself on fostering a vibrant academic community that nurtures intellectual curiosity and encourages groundbreaking exploration.

CU Boulder serves as a dynamic hub of innovation and community engagement, with a steadfast dedication to regional economic development earning prestigious recognition, including the Innovation and Economic Prosperity award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Across the University, the shared vision is to emerge as a leader in identifying and addressing the humanitarian, social, and technological challenges of the 21st century. Guided by a shared commitment to integrity, respect, inclusiveness, and openness, CU Boulder continues to advance its mission of teaching, research, and service.

In its research mission, CU Boulder stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. Garnering over 4,975 research awards and gifts totaling more than $684 million in fiscal year 2023 (https://www.colorado.edu/ocg/sites/default/files/attached-files/sponsored_research_financial_annual_report_2023_0.pdf) , the University is committed to advancing the economy, culture, and health of Colorado, the nation, and the world.

Federal agency funding remains a cornerstone of CU Boulder's sponsored projects, constituting over two-thirds of the awards received in FY2023. Federal agencies contributed $485.8 million to support CU Boulder's research endeavors last year, underscoring the University's significant impact on national research priorities.

In addition to federal support, in FY 2023 CU Boulder's sponsored-projects portfolio benefited from collaborations with industry partners, other universities, and international collaborators. The University also received generous support from foundations, private entities, and individuals. Contributions from these sources amounted to $170.5 million, reflecting the diverse funding landscape that supports CU Boulder's research ecosystem.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The Director will lead LASP during a unique time in its 75-year history, as LASP closes out 30 years of consistent, successful leadership under Dr. Dan Baker. Over the last 30 years, LASP has experienced steady expansion and has embraced an increasingly complex opportunity-set that space science and engineering create. The Labs spirit of and commitment to collaboration have been foundational to its success.

The research and development tempo at LASP varies in intensity, focus, and interest. Long-term relationships such as with NASA, and more dynamic opportunities with other federal agencies and with the commercial space sector, have all informed LASPs success. With the senior leadership team and the dedication of LASP personnel, as well as guidance from a nearly complete, robust strategic planning process, the new Director will build on LASPs successes and set a new path for its future.

Core responsibilities:

Research Leadership

• Sets the research direction for LASP across all disciplines within the Lab, creating the strategic vision and framework necessary to empower research growth through knowledge, technology, and capacity development

• Manages LASP with a vigorous research program and a commitment to training the next generation of diverse students in the areas of space science, engineering, mission operations, data systems, and business facilitation

• Convenes and presides over meetings of the LASP Executive/Leadership Committee(s)

• Maintains active engagement with the University leadership, including fellow institute directors, and closely interacts with the Dean of the Institutes, the Research & Innovation Office, and the larger University community

• Serves as the chief representative of LASP and acts as a prominent and vigorous advocate for innovation, support, and sustainment internally within the CU system as well as externally across federal sponsors, industry partners, and state and federal officials

• Manages relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders

• Provides leadership and creative thinking for increasing LASPs visibility and increasing research dissemination and translation so that LASP continues to distinguish itself

• Provides a strategic framework and executive direction for the research and development initiatives proposed and/or contemplated internally by LASP scientists, engineers, and operations, and beyond LASP in university, government, and international space research communities

• Maintains a broad understanding of the overall space- and Earth-science research environment, areas of key interest, growth projections, and risks; in particular, gauges the structure and outcomes of the various Decadal Surveys that shape different areas of LASPs opportunity-set for developments and initiatives that LASP can leverage

• Identifies and influences investment in unexplored research opportunities both within and external to LASP - including new domains/products/sectors eligible for research opportunities - that complement existing LASP research

Organizational Leadership

• Demonstrates effective management across all divisions, offices, and levels of LASP, building Lab cohesion

• Maintains a visible presence and open and frequent communication with the LASP community,

• Cultivates a positive culture of interdisciplinary collaboration among LASP staff, researchers, faculty, and students in an environment that enables the development and growth of all members of its community

• Works with LASP and University leadership to develop a long-range plan for the resources, organizational structure and culture, and investments needed to sustain LASPs success in space-exploration research and in workforce development

• Provides leadership and support for LASP to advance its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its own organization and in space science more broadly

• Effectively represents LASP to the broader University community including through engagements with other institute and center leaders; advocates for funding and policy initiatives that benefit LASP and the University at large

• Ensures efficient management of the LASP budget and for all personnel actions and commitments of resources by LASP

What We Can Offer

CU Boulder institute directors are appointed for four-year, renewable terms. CU Boulder Institute Process and Procedures can be found here. (https://www.colorado.edu/researchinnovation/sites/default/files/attached-files/2024-0515_cuboulderinstituteprocessprocedures.pdf)

The annual salary range for this position is $300,000-$375,000, plus moving allowance and signing bonus. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. CU Boulder institute directors are appointed for four-year, renewable terms. CU Boulder Institute Process and Procedures can be found here.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/about) .

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

LASP is at the cutting edge of space research, attracting and retaining a highly motivated and talented staff, making it an inspirational place to work. The Director will shape and guide the future research endeavors of LASPs science and technology in response to global space exploration and discovery aspirations.

• CU Boulder seeks applicants with the following qualifications: outstanding leadership qualities; the ability to set and pursue a strategic vision for LASP; the ability to operate effectively within the University community, a deep sense of space science and engineering; thorough comprehension of the issues involved with space-exploration research; broad awareness of the business drivers that shape the behaviors of a diverse community of researchers and stakeholders; and a proven capacity to oversee successful execution of large-scale research and development programs.

• The successful candidate should have an advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline of engineering or science and a record of outstanding scholarly achievement in space engineering, space science, and/or relevant interdisciplinary research, along with credentials suitable for consideration as a tenured full professor at CU Boulder.

• Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire. Eligibility for a high-level security clearance is preferred but not required.

What You Will Need

• The ability to lead and define new directions in science, engineering, and program opportunities

• Familiarity with government, commercial, and international space research goals, objectives, and opportunities

• The ability to identify and manage the academic, financial, and political factors that impact institutional and commercial research opportunities both nationally and internationally

• Experience with U.S. and/or international space agencies and the aerospace industry

• General understanding of export controls requirements in the context of LASP activities

• The ability to recognize and manage commercial and international research/business issues

• Commitment to promoting LASPs and CU Boulders diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals

• Effective cross-cultural and cross-discipline communication skills

• The ability to succeed through influence and subject-matter expertise as well as through positional authority

• Excellent collaborative and adaptive thinking perspectives as well as high emotional intelligence

• Resilience, agility, and organizational savvy

Special Instructions

DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SITE.

The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners (http://www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of the LASP Director. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, Ann K. Adams, Associate Partner, and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search.

LASP has a deep interest in efforts to foster and promote belonging, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition to their CV and letter of interest, candidates should submit a one-page statement on how their research, teaching, and/or leadership and service demonstrate an active commitment to belonging, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Examples might include scholarly work, efforts to improve access and equity for underrepresented individuals or groups, or other contributions to diverse communities, past and present. Candidates should send their CV, letter of interest, and one-page statement to ann.adams@opuspartners.net or jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net .

Nominations, recommendations, and inquiries should go to the same address. Every effort will be made to ensure candidate confidentiality. Applications received by August 9, 2024 will receive full consideration. The search process will remain confidential until the final stage of a public campus visit.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Director-Laboratory-for-Atmospheric-and-Space-Physics-LASP/57322 (https://apptrkr.com/5340782)

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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.