Project Science Graduate Edinburgh 2021

The UKATC is the UK's national laboratory for the design and development of astronomical instrumentation. The UKATC has a rich heritage of instrumentation development for ground-based observatories as well as space facilities. It employs a broad spectrum of engineers and scientists across the full range of disciplines required for contemporary astronomy (optical design, mechanical engineering, electronics, software, systems engineering, project management). It also has an extensive track record of successfully applying techniques and technologies developed for astronomy to other sectors (e.g. earth observation/remote sensing, environmental monitoring). The UKATC develops instruments for world leading organisations, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

The Project Science Group supports the instrumentation projects undertaken by the laboratory. Our typical project roles include leadership and coordination of international science teams, analysis of science requirements to technical specifications, and tracking the scientific performance of each instrument during construction, testing, and commissioning. UKATC scientists also have their own active research programmes, which ensures visibility and engagement within the international community and enables leading roles at the early stages of new projects, while also providing intelligent support to the UK astronomical community for emerging concepts. These research programmes cover a broad range of astronomy from studying vast discs of gas and dust forming protostars and planetary systems, through the evolution cycle of massive stars and clusters in the Milky Way, to spectroscopy of some of the highest redshift galaxies in the early Universe.

Your responsibilities

You will join the Project Science Group at the UKATC working on a broad range of data relating to astronomy and the development of astronomical hardware. Anticipated duties include:

• Analysis and simulations towards our major projects for instruments for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (HARMONI, MOSAIC, HIRES) and the Very Large Telescope (CUBES, MOONS).
• Contributing to specifications and requirements analysis and involvement in new/future projects in line with the UKATC strategy.
• Astronomical and/or instrumentation research that draws together data analysis skills with the research interests of the Project Science Group.
• Dissemination of research and data analysis, including: conference presentations and proceedings, journal articles, and contributions to project specific reports, reviews and software.
• Assisting with outreach activities in collaboration with the Royal Observatory Edinburgh’s Visitor Centre (e.g. our annual ‘Open Doors’ event and public talks).

As part of the graduate programme, it is expected that you will be enrolled with the Institute of Physics (or equivalent professional organisation) with the view of becoming a Chartered Physicist, which is a peer reviewed recognition of your competency as a physicist.

You will work in close interaction with the other groups within UKATC, such as the engineering fields and project management. More broadly you will be part of international teams and therefore some national and international travel is expected.

You will be responsible for managing your own time across a number of projects.

What you'll need

Essential

• Obtained first degree bachelors or Masters, (not doctorate) in a relevant subject in either 2020, 2021 or be due to receive it in 2022 
• Expected or have achieved a 2:1 or above 
• The right to live and work in the UK 
• An interest in astronomy and space science 
• Knowledge of a numerical coding language (e.g. Python, R, MatLab, etc.) 
• Numerical literacy and basic statistical analysis skills 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team both on-site, nationally and internationally 
• Clear communication (written and spoken), organisational and presentational skills, enabling the effective transfer of information to a wide and diverse audience
• Good interpersonal skills, self-confidence and self-motivation

Desirable

• Participation in public outreach and dissemination events 
• Knowledge of astronomical data gained through either university courses, work experience or amateur astronomy
• Interest in state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation and methods 

Please note that we will close this position early should we receive enough applications. Please apply sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ 

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.