Astronomy jobs

Head of Project Science Strategy

Location Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.

Salary: Band G (S2) £75,382 per annum

Contract Type: Open-Ended

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

At UKRI, scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s national laboratory of expertise for the design and delivery of world-class astronomical instrumentation. We are involved in a wide range of instrumentation projects for current and future major ground- and space-based astronomical facilities, including ESO’s VLT and ELT, ALMA, ESA’s LISA, and the SKA.

The UK ATC is seeking an experienced astronomer to join our leadership team as Head of Project Science Strategy (HPSS). This critical role will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of international astronomy through the development of world-leading astronomical instrumentation.

As HPSS, you will report to the UK ATC Director and work collaboratively with other members of the Senior Management Team to:

• Identify and develop new strategic opportunities for science instrumentation.
• Develop the UK ATC’s strategic roadmap to ensure alignment with both national and international research priorities and implement UK ATC’s strategic delivery plan.

In this role, you will actively engage with the UK and international astronomical communities, forging and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies, to support current and future projects.

As a scientist, you will also lead and manage the UK ATC’s Project Science Group and are expected to maintain an active research programme, ideally with connection to the instrumentation projects under development at the UK ATC.

Person Specification

• A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in multi-disciplinary astronomical instrumentation, including experience leading collaborative, cross-institutional projects.
• A proven track record of leadership in research, strategic planning, or programme delivery within an academic or technology-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability and credibility to build consensus and sustain effective partnerships.
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy together with the capability and flexibility to work well within a team as projects demand.
• A high-level understanding of the strategic needs and priorities of STFC, UKRI and relevant stakeholders within the field of international astronomy

About the UKATC:

Located at the historic Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, the UK ATC collaborates closely with UK university partners and international organisations to design, develop and deliver transformative instrumentation and software for major worldwide astronomical facilities. Find out more about the UK Astronomy Technology Centre at: https://www.ukatc.stfc.ac.uk

About STFC:

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

The closing date for applications is 13th April 2025.