Diverse Community. Rewarding Career.
Doing things differently.
Observatory Support Officer
Special conditions: A rate of £17.12 will be paid per hour in the role as observatory support officer
About the Role
The Nottingham Trent University onsite observatory is part of the department of Physics and Mathematics, one of the School of Science and Technology's six departments, with just below 40 academic colleagues. The observatory supports our work with a variety of observational equipment within Astrophysics across a range of areas including teaching (at foundation, bachelors, and masters levels), research, practice, scholarship and community and commercial engagement.
We are seeking to appoint hourly paid Observatory Support Officers that will assist in the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning. Duties will include providing technical support and supervision for activities such as observatory related laboratory supervision, observing sessions, planetarium provision, and problem classes. It will also include delivering small scale outreach events, summer schools, and managing the observatory’s social media presence. Scheduling will acknowledge other academic responsibilities expected for (under-) graduate applicant.
Having very good communication skills, the successful applicant must demonstrate commitment to supporting Astronomy teaching (related to working with astronomical equipment) to students within our programmes at FdSc, BSc and Master levels, as well as participants of short courses and summer schools.
For more details, please take a look at the profile role. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly
Interview Date: w/c 1st December 2025.
About Us
The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.
Our Physics department has a strong track record of gaining high-calibre research finding and delivering international impact in areas as diverse as acoustic monitoring of honeybees, art conservation and wastewater treatment.
For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Daniel Brown (Observatory coordinator) at daniel.brown02@ntu.ac.uk.
Application Details: Please remember to submit both a CV as well as a cover letter (or supporting statement) for your application.
Interview Date: Interviews will commence in the first week of December. Dr Brown (Observatory coordinator) will be in touch following the submission of your application.
Join Us
We can offer you a career with a difference, as together we shape futures, change lives and create the university of the future.
Doing things differently, we empower our people to shape, create and innovate. Whether they’re pushing the boundaries with award-winning research, transforming society through global collaborations or supporting and helping our students to achieve their potential.
Join our friendly and diverse community of 4,000 professionals, academics and researchers, and you’ll enjoy the support and ownership you need to perform at your best. A great place to work, we value, respect and care for all our colleagues, providing flexible and competitive rewards and genuine opportunities for career progression. So, take on an exciting new challenge with an ambitious university where progress never stops.
Safe & Inclusive
At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.