The Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern invites applications for the position of Director of Operations.
CIERA is a University-wide research center on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. We are focused on harnessing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration between astronomy, engineering, data science and AI, mathematics, social sciences, and more, to examine the most important and challenging problems in modern astronomy. With a strong emphasis on outreach and training, we also aim to empower the next generation of scientists and cultivate the public’s enthusiasm for astronomy. Now in its fifteenth year, CIERA is a prominent research center that attracts a vibrant interdisciplinary community of over 150 faculty, postdocs, and students.
As part of CIERA’s leadership, the Director of Operations will help drive scientific discovery and innovation. You will lead the full spectrum of CIERA’s administrative and operational functions, leading strategic initiatives and ensuring CIERA’s day-to-day operations align with the Center’s long-term goals. The candidate will also be an integral member of the CIERA directors’ team.
In this role, you will:
- Build bridges to connect faculty and partners across disciplines to spark innovation and create new opportunities for impact
- Coordinate the development of ambitious and complex proposals
- Create high-level reports and communications for key strategic stakeholders
- Design metrics to guide long-term planning
- Manage CIERA’s vibrant postdoctoral program, from recruiting to onboarding world-class talent through professional development and co-mentoring
- Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of CIERA staff members
- Implement scalable processes that ensure seamless day-to-day operations
- Lead CIERA’s short and long-term financial planning
Relevant Skills
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership & Team Management
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Project & Program Management
- Analytical Decision-Making
- Relationship-Building
- Adaptability
Relevant Qualifications
- A PhD is required. In addition to astrophysicists, we encourage applications from candidates with PhDs in any field who are interested in interdisciplinary science management.
- 5 years of experience is required in academic administration, research operations or management, or related leadership experience
- Experience managing business operations, including budgeting and financial operations, in a university or research setting
- Familiarity with proposal development and submission
- Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Overleaf; experience with project management or data tools is a plus
- Understanding of academic and research environments, including faculty and postdoctoral affairs
This is a senior, PhD-level position, for which we will initiate the University process to be elected as Research Assistant Professor.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 – $118,000. The salary offered will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The position comes with a competitive benefits package and a minimum discretionary budget of $5,000 per year for work-related professional development, equipment, and other approved professional expenses.
Applications should include
- A cover letter stating your interest in and relevant experience/skills for the position
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications with the most relevant 1 to 3 publications indicated with an asterisk
- A one-page research statement describing your research background and interests, written for an interdisciplinary academic audience. Avoid jargon and emphasize the broader relevance of your work to science leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Arrange for at least two letters of recommendation. Letters should specifically address skills and qualifications relevant for this role.
All materials should be submitted electronically at Academic Jobs Online, position 30089. For questions about the application process please contact CIERA-Jobs@northwestern.edu. Applications received by July 11, 2025 will receive full consideration. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
Benefits
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.