Head Astronomer

An astronomy professor in charge of an observatory.

Qualifications

A head astronomer holds a professor's degree in astronomy. On average, they have spent 12 years working as an astronomer before they become eligible for that degree. Besides that, they also need to be familar with the economic and educational aspects of leading a large group of researchers.

Requirements

The astronomer in question must be a citizen of the Nimýric Empire, which is usually a given since they were allowed to become a university professor in the first place. They are rarely younger than 40 years due to the required experience.

Appointment

When a new observatory is established, suitable candidates from the duchy's universities are proposed by the scientific advisors of the duke or duchess. For existing observatories, potential successors are usually selected and prepared for this office by the incumbent head astronomer.
The final decision is made by the duke or duchess, who then officially declares the new head astronomer as the leader of the observatory in question.

Duties

A head astronomer is expected to mentor the researchers under their supervision and further develop their scientific talents.

Responsibilities

As the leader of the observatory, the head astronomer coordinates the various research projects. They assign the regular astronomers to their tasks, establish links between their individual efforts and manage the budget for the necessary equipment.

Benefits

A head astronomer earns about 20% more than a regular astronomy professor.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A head astronomer can be removed from office if they grossly neglect their mentoring duties or violate scientific standards, for example by knowingly presenting false results to the research community. Since their position is tied to a particular observatory, their term automatically ends in the rare case that the observatory should be closed down.

Type

Scientific, Professional

Form of Address

Vémóanó

Alternative Naming

Tephóid Kérópuróhór

Source of Authority

the duchy

by Kathrin Janowski