Observational Data and Development Officer (Fixed term for 5 years)

Salary Range

£30,488 - £36,023 per annum

School/Department

Astrophysics Research Institute

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Schools' Observatory (TSO ) is a major educational website established by LJMU to provide schools with access to professional robotic telescopes primarily designed for scientific research. Historically, this has been through the Liverpool Telescope , but our new partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust (DFET) now opens the door for the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) network to join our platform. TSO aims to attract, inspire, and enthuse learners about science and technology through the medium of astronomy, guided by our drive to provide "Access to the Universe for All". We were even recognised for our work by being awarded the Institute of Physics Gold Medal for Public Engagement in 2023. 

We are now seeking an enthusiastic, driven, team player to join the TSO project as Observational Data and Development Officer on a full-time basis, for a fixed term of 5 years. This role will facilitate the integration of the Faulkes Telescope Project with The Schools' Observatory. The position will include integrating the online presence and telescope time across the LCO network into our school-friendly Go Observing system. This role will support the partnership and provide periodic reporting to DFET on the use of telescope time, amongst other key metrics. 

We are looking for an individual with the skills needed to integrate our educational platforms. You will have a good understanding of astronomical observation techniques to expand the catalogue of objects available to schools, facilitate live observing sessions, and connect telescope data to educational materials.  

You should be educated to a degree level (or equivalent) in an astronomy-related field and have experience observing through telescopes. You will be interested in school-level education, with classroom or informal education experience. The ability to work well in a small team is essential.  

You may also be required to participate in departmental outreach and public engagement activities and liaise with local schools. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about astronomy and education to contribute to TSO's core offer. Travel within the UK and possibly internationally will be required to represent TSO, DFET, and, more widely, the Astrophysics Research Institute and LJMU. 

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please note we do not accept supplementary information when considering applications for this post and ask that you complete the on-line application only. Within the application form there is the opportunity for you to include everything that you wish panel members to consider, particularly in the Personal Statement section.

Informal enquiries may be made to TSO Project Manager Dr Stacey Habergham-Mawson ([email protected] ). 

We encourage applications from all people, especially those underrepresented in education, STEM and astrophysics. Both The Schools' Observatory and the Astrophysics Research Institute are passionate about promoting equality and diversity and have received an Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner award and an Athena Swan Bronze award for our commitment.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.