Senior Public Engagement Officer Edinburgh, Scotland
Job description
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: Band C £25,702 - £27,938 to Band D £31,931 - £34,709 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (14 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh
Interview Date: 23rd May 2023
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading
experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.
We are looking for a Public Engagement Officer at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. This role is an opportunity for someone with a keen interest in engaging diverse audiences with science and technology to join our three-person team. Two key growth areas for us over the coming year are community partnerships and teacher support.
The public engagement team at ROE deliver a vibrant programme of activities both at the observatory and across the city. We aim to share the wonder of the cutting-edge science and technology carried out by STFC with as wide an audience as possible, giving particular focus to reaching groups who are currently underserved and underrepresented within STEM.
ROE is at the forefront of astronomical research and technology and hosts nearly 240 staff and students. It encompasses two organisations; the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC), one of four national labs of STFC, and Edinburgh University’s Institute for Astronomy (IfA) and we work closely with this expertise to define and deliver our programme.
List of duties / work programme / responsibilities:
- Liaise with participants and manage administration, logistical aspects and evaluation of programmes
- Delivery of core UK ATC Public Engagement programme of education sessions for primary schoolchildren; teacher training at primary level; regular observing evenings and tours for public audiences; an on-site lecture series; and annual Open Days.
- Planning and delivery of selected one-off events, often working in partnership with external stakeholders.
- Contribute knowledge of Public Engagement and STFC science and technology areas to ensure resources highlight our most engaging stories and are factually accurate.
- Oversee storage and regular maintenance of public engagement team resources.
- Maintain good relationships with audiences, partner organisations, stakeholders and colleagues including but not limited to; members of the public, community group-leaders, primary school teachers and staff and students at the UK ATC and IfA
- Work with senior staff to design and implement new public engagement delivery plan at the UK ATC and within the broader STFC public engagement group.
- Contribute to decision-making through collection, analysis and reporting of programme performance and evaluation data.
- Supervise (but not line manage) small teams of volunteers to deliver events and develop activities.
- Fulfil all safety, health and environment requirements associated with delivery of the PE programme and as a staff member.
Person Specification
Each criteria with be assessed shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
- Post-16 qualification in a science or related subject (S)
- A degree or equivalent relevant skills (S)
- For appointment at the higher band a degree in science or engineering coupled with postgraduate qualification (or considerable experience) in science, science communication, education or related subject would be required (S & I)
- Science communication and/or education (S)
- Astronomical science and engineering, or a clear willingness to develop this (S&I)
- Event planning and delivery, including supervision of small teams (S&I)
- Self-starter with ability to manage priorities for events, small projects and programmes (S&I)
- Satisfactory fulfilment of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate for working with young and vulnerable people or willingness to complete one (I)
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
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.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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.
