Senior Technician (Telescope Workshop)

Introduction

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 an enthusiastic and proactive Senior Technician, who is willing to work in all weather conditions on tasks that are sometimes physically demanding, to join our dynamic technical operations team, which strives to provide a sector leading technical support for Jodrell Bank Observatory. With a commitment to maintaining service of world leading science instrumentation and a passion for engineering, the Senior Technician will also provide agile technical support to staff and students to support teaching, research and professional services. The Faculty of Science and Engineering’s research and teaching quality is recognised globally; this is an exciting opportunity to join The University of Manchester at Jodrell Bank and contribute to the provision of a sector leading technical service.

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.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

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

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Philip Clarke Technical Manager (Telescope Workshop)

Email: philip.clarke@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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

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