Senior Technical Officer - Astrophysics

Post Title Senior Technical Officer – Astrophysics 

SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science 

FTE: 1.0fte (working 37 hours per week) although job share and 0.8fte (29.6 hours per week) would be considered

Duration of Contract: Permanent 

Salary: UH5 £27,181pa (pro rata) to £30,487pa (pro rata) by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience  

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata) plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year  

Location: College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

We are a committed equal opportunities employer and we particularly encourage applications from applicants who may wish to job share or work part time, as well as from women candidates to reflect staff under-representation, where it exists, and our diverse student cohort.

The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science (SPECS) is seeking to appoint a Senior Technical Officer into an exciting Technical role. SPECS is in a thrilling period of expansion with an imminent new £100M Building “SPECTRA” and a multimillion pound research grant. We offer a wide range of degrees including Physics, Robotics & AI, Computer Science, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering and in terms of size for those disciplines, we are the Number 1 HEI in the UK. Whilst the role will primarily be supporting Astrophysics at Bayfordbury Observatory, you will have the opportunity to support other areas of the School.

Main duties and responsibilities

This role entails the preparation of materials and equipment for practical, commercial and short course classes as required in one or more areas of the School. On a day to day basis, you will be involved in the ddemonstration of the safe use of technical equipment and specialist skills to all groups of staff and students. This role requires you to assist with general management and housekeeping of laboratories and workshops as well as, instigating the ordering and maintenance of stock levels and minor equipment as required for practical classes. You will be required to assist in the preparation of the laboratories and workshops for Outreach & Public Engagement, and other activities, and providing technical support when needed as well as, assisting, when available, with consultancy work and research, within the School.

Full duties are set out in the Job Description.

Skills and experience required

You will need proven experience in observational astronomy or a similar relevant area. We expect that that you will also have an active interest in astronomy and astrophysics as well as a good basic understanding of telescopes and astronomical observations, and experience of imaging. Flexibility and the ability to contribute to team working is essential as well as a client-oriented approach to work and the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines. Good communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with staff, students, and visitors is also essential for this role.

Qualifications required

You will hold be educated with a minimum of A-levels or equivalent qualifications or have equivalent proven experience. A recognised qualification in an appropriate subject at degree or HNC/HND level or equivalent is desirable.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work, or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work, before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Giorgos Gkizelis, Technical Manager, [email protected]

Closing Date: 04 April 2024

Interview Date: TBC

Reference Number: 057636 

Date advert placed: 14 March 2024

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts