Trade.Information

Company Name: Unversities Space Research Association

Company Type: university

Company Profile

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a private, nonprofit consortium of 100 colleges and universities, is seeking a Director for its Division of Space Life Sciences (DSLS). This Division is located in Houston, Texas near the Johnson Space Center. The DSLS manages all of USRA’s activities in the space life sciences. The division’s research and educational programs encompass multiple discipline areas, including bone and muscle physiology, space radiation health, environmental health, immunology, microbiology, nutritional biochemistry, and technology development. The Director of the DSLS provides management oversight of all aspects of the Division’s operations and serves as an advocate for its programs within USRA, NASA and the university community. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to expand the scope and direction of the Division’s research program by developing and carrying out a long-term strategic plan. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage and motivate a large group of life scientists with diverse research interests. The applicant should have a broad research background with at least 10 years experience in managing research efforts. The individual should possess an M.D. or Ph.D., or an equivalent degree in a life science field with an emphasis on biomedical research. Experience in managing a large research program is a plus, as is a familiarity with the NASA life science research community. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to present himself/herself and the Division to the government and academic community. Must demonstrate the ability to understand the basics of life science research projects in multiple discipline areas. Current, active involvement in (funded) research is a plus – particularly microgravity-related research, either ground-based or space flight. Accommodations can be made at the NASA Johnson Space Center or at local academic institutions to facilitate part-time research activities. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. USRA offers an excellent comprehensive fringe benefits program. Interested individuals should submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae and the names and contact information for three references to dsls@hq.usra.edu. Applications received by November 10, 2006 will be given full consideration. Further information regarding the DSLS and USRA may be found at www.dsls.usra.edu and www.usra.edu, respectively.

About Company

The Universities Space Research Association was incorporated in 1969 in the District of Columbia as a private, nonprofit corporation under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Institutional membership in the Association has grown from 49 colleges and universities when it was founded, to the current 100 institutions. All member institutions have graduate programs in space sciences or technology. Besides the 92 member institutions in the United States, there are two member institutions in Canada, three in Europe, two in Israel and one in Australia. USRA provides a mechanism through which universities can cooperate effectively with one another, with the government, and with other organizations to further space science and technology, and to promote education in these areas. Its mission is carried out through the institutes, centers, divisions, and programs. Administrative and scientific personnel now number about 420. A unique feature of USRA’s management is its system of standing panels of technical experts, drawn from the research community, to provide oversight for USRA’s institutes, centers, divisions and programs. USRA’s origins extend back to 1966, when the NASA Administrator requested the help of the NAS in forming a national consortium to assume management of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory. In March, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson announced the creation of the Lunar Science Institute (LSI), and USRA was chartered the following year as the parent organization of the LSI. The initial headquarters of USRA was at the University of Virginia, where Professor A. R. Kuhlthau served as the first president of the Association. In 1978 USRA headquarters moved to Columbia, Maryland. Dr. David C. Black was appointed USRA President in 2000. Dr. Black served as Director of USRA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute from 1988 to 2001, and is internationally recognized for research in theoretical astrophysics and planetary science. USRA initially concentrated on the management of LSI (later renamed the Lunar and Planetary Institute) but, armed with its broad charter, the consortium began to explore other ways to serve the university space research community as early as 1970. Today, USRA researchers are involved with university, government and industry scientists and engineers in a broad array of space- and aeronautics-related fields, including astronomy and astrophysics, Earth sciences, microgravity, life sciences, space technology, computer science, and advanced concepts. Most USRA research activities include related educational components.