Senior Technician (Telescope Array Control)

Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2019, is part of The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) which is one of the largest single-site universities in the UK, with one of the biggest student communities. Jodrell Bank is dominated by the 76-metre Lovell Telescope, conceived by Sir Bernard Lovell. He worked with engineer Sir Charles Husband to build the telescope which has become an icon of British science and engineering and a landmark in the Cheshire countryside. Today the Lovell Telescope plays a key role in world-leading research on pulsars, testing our understanding of extreme physics including Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.

In 2011, Jodrell Bank Observatory was placed on the UK Government's shortlist for World Heritage Site status, recognising its unique role in the development of our understanding of the Universe. The Observatory continues to play a major role in astronomical research. It is now home to the e-MERLIN array of seven radio telescopes spread across the UK. Based on the techniques of linking telescopes over long distances pioneered by the team which Sir Bernard assembled at Jodrell Bank, the network is now connected by a high-speed optical fibre network making it one of the most powerful telescope arrays in the world.

To support this work, we are seeking a Senior Technician (Telescope Array Control) to be part of a small team of Telescope Controllers who ensure the safe, secure and efficient operation of nine radio telescopes and associated equipment at Jodrell Bank Observatory and its out stations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Full training will be provided, which will include at least 3 months shadowing an experienced telescope array controller.

Hours

This post is for 35 hours, working a three shift system - days, evenings and nights.

The control room operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including bank holidays.

Overall Purpose of the Job

• Working a shift pattern, the post holder will be responsible for the safe, secure and efficient operation of nine radio telescopes and associated equipment at Jodrell Bank Observatory and its outstations.
• Comply with all relevant operating procedures and health & safety requirements.
• Keep a log of all telescope operations & record incidents. Investigate faults and organize repairs via appropriate staff.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Mark Roberts

Email: mark.e.roberts@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.