Deputy Head - LIGO Hanford Observatory

California Institute of Technology • Richland, WA • 1d ago

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 Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Laboratory seeks a dynamic and accomplished scientist to serve as Deputy Head and Senior Scientist at the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) in Richland, Washington.
This position is located in Hanford, Washington.
LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.
For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu
Essential Job Duties
As Deputy Observatory Head, the successful candidate will provide scientific, operational, and personnel leadership for the LIGO Hanford Observatory. This position blends high-level technical and scientific engagement in LIGO's detector program with senior management responsibilities for staff, operations, and observatory culture. Working closely with the Observatory Head, the Deputy will ensure that LHO maintains world-class scientific performance, operational excellence, and an inclusive, supportive workplace environment.
The Deputy Observatory Head will also continue to contribute as a Senior Scientist within the LIGO Laboratory, advancing detector sensitivity, stability, and astrophysical reach. This includes leading specific commissioning and detector improvement efforts, coordinating with LIGO's national and international partners, and providing technical mentorship and guidance to scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and students at the observatory.
This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.
Observatory Leadership and Management (50%)
Serve as the Deputy to the LHO Observatory Head, assuming leadership responsibilities in the Head's absence. With the Observatory Head, lead the scientific and technical mission of the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO).
With the Observatory Head and the Operations Manager, serve as a contact for LHO staff regarding personnel, workplace, or operational concerns, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing observatory culture.
Provide day-to-day oversight of selected observatory staff and teams, including scientists, engineers, operators, and postdoctoral researchers. Line-manage specific members of the science and operations team.
With the Observatory Head, coordinate with LIGO Laboratory management, Caltech HR, and site staff to implement policies, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with institutional and laboratory standards.
Support strategic planning, budget development, and resource allocation for LHO operations.
Represent LHO in Laboratory-wide and collaboration-level management forums.
Management of after-hours work to ensure personnel safety and observatory security via the observatory work-permit system.
Serve on LIGO Laboratory management committees, including but not limited to S

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