The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is seeking a motivated individual to join as International Outreach Officer. The position is full time and will be based at the OAO, which is located at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Mitaka Campus, Tokyo, Japan.

The OAO is a hub for coordinating public outreach activities related to astronomy around the world, with a mission of making information about our Universe more accessible to everyone. The OAO is engaged in supporting local and global astronomy events while building networks to disseminate information to amateur astronomy and public outreach communities.

The International Outreach Officer will provide essential support to the IAU OAO activities. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Experience of managing international projects;
• Experience of working and communicating with astronomical and/or outreach/education communities;
• Good computer skills (including use of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace), knowledge of design tools (such as Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator), and willingness to learn new ones;
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills while working in multicultural teams;
• Demonstrable time management skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• An honours degree or equivalent in astronomy or a closely related field;
• Skills in written, visual and verbal communication;
• Willingness to travel regionally and intercontinentally.
• Experience or working knowledge of the Japanese language is advantageous.

The successful candidate will be appointed according to the normal conditions of service of NAOJ employees. This is a contract position for three years, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance.

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (of maximum length four pages), including the contact details of at least three referees, by email to the IAU OAO Deputy Director, Kelly Blumenthal (blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org). The deadline for applications is 1 July 2023 (23:59 JST).

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Links

• Job description (PDF)
• IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Contacts

Kelly Blumenthal
IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Deputy Director
Tel: +81-(0)422-34-3966
Email: blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Director of Communications
Cell: +1 520 461 0433/+49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu