Observatory Director Interview Questions

1 Describe methods you have useful to study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
2 What kind of experience do you have analyzing research data to determine its significance, using computers?
3 Share an example when you developed theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
4 What is the secret to raise funds for scientific research?
5 Walk me through how you collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
6 Share an approach to develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
7 What is the most challenging part of directing the operations of a planetarium?
8 Describe an experience when you conducted question and answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.
9 Tell me how you calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
10 What kind of experience do you have reviewing scientific proposals and research papers? Have you found a useful method?
11 Share an effective approach to teaching astronomy or astrophysics.
12 Walk me through how you develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
13 Describe an experience in which you identified the educational needs of your students and successfully developed a way to teach/train them.
14 Tell me how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work.
15 What are some long-range objectives that you developed in your last job? What did you do to achieve them?