Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: 35,049 per annum + 1,000 welcome bonus

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Location:

UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh

Closing date: 19th October 2025

Assessment Centre: December 2025 / January 2026

Start date: September 2026

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the national centre for the design and production of world-leading astronomical instruments and systems in the United Kingdom. As a science driven, professional engineering organisation, we employ pioneering technology across all engineering fields, including sophisticated optical and infra-red detectors, vacuum-cryogenics, control electronics and software, for both astronomy and non-astronomy applications, in collaboration with academic and industrial partners around the world. The instruments we produce are unique and technically ambitious, but must be easy to use and highly reliable in difficult environments, such as on high mountain sites and in Space. Current major projects at the UK ATC include Harmoni and METIS for the ELT, MOONS for the VLT, LISA optical benches and software for ALMA and the SKA.


The instruments are generally one off, large multi-disciplinary projects which require considerable attention to detail and a thorough approach to quality.

Graduate Scheme

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development.


Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The Project Science Group at the UKATC are excited to bring on a graduate working as an instrument scientist on a broad range of data relating to astronomy and the development of astronomical hardware. Anticipated duties include:


Contribution to the definition and implementation of instrumentation testing campaigns. This includes preparation for analysis of critical test data for instrument delivery such as for HARMONI at the ELT- that will be integrated and tested in our lab. Contribution 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 the data analysis skills with the underlying science within the context of the Project Science Group research interests. Research and data analysis dissemination: 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 - for example the annual 'Open Doors' event - and assisting with the work experience students - a great opportunity to network!
You will work in close interaction with the other groups within UKATC, such as the engineering fields and project management. More broadly you will a member of international teams and therefore some national and international travel is encouraged.


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

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study (S) Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment (S) A strong curiosity about astronomy and space science (S&I) Knowledge of a numerical coding language (preferably Python) (S) Numerical literacy and basic statistical analysis skills (S&I) Ability to work collaboratively within a team both on-site, nationally and internationally (I) Strong communication, organisational and presentational skills, enabling the succinct transfer of information to a wide and diverse audience. (S&I) Good interpersonal skills, self-confidence and self-motivation. (I)

Desirable:

Knowledge of astronomical data gained through either university courses, work experience or amateur astronomy. (S&I) Curiosity about pioneering astronomical instrumentation and methods (S&I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:


30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days). Flexible working hours. An excellent defined average salary pension scheme. Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Cycle to work scheme.
Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/


Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact stfcgraduates@ukri.org.

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.


Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.


Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.


We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.


What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!