EUNAWE PROJECT MANAGER (EUROPEAN UNIVERSE AWARENESS)

This position has now been filled.

Links to information and application forms:

General information on EUNAWE - PDF Format

General information on Armagh Observatory - PDF Format

Job Advertisment Poster - PDF Format

Job Information - PDF Format

Enhanced Disclosure Check Form - PDF Format

Application Form - MS Word Format

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form - PDF Format

Referee Report Form - PDF Format

Complete Application Pack in one file - PDF Format

The Post

A two-year fixed-term position of EUNAWE Project Manager is available at the Armagh Observatory funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union (EU). Initial salary is expected to be near the bottom of the range 26,062 to 32,657 pounds per annum, but may be higher depending on experience. The primary aim of European Universe Awareness (EUNAWE) is to exploit the inspirational elements of astronomy and space sciences to interest young and underprivileged children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to broaden their minds and stimulate a sense of belonging to a wider European and worldwide community. The project builds on Universe Awareness (UNAWE), an innovative and proven programme aimed at engaging young people in modern astronomy and space science to inspire and excite them with knowledge of the Universe of which our Earth is a part.

The EUNAWE Project Manager will be responsible for all practical deliverables of the UK element of the EUNAWE programme, including the objectives of (a) delivering a minimum of three teacher-trainer workshops in each of the two years of the project; (b) developing an outreach programme to schools, possibly together with elements of the Observatory's programme of Science in the Community; (c) the creation (with others) of a national EUNAWE website which will provide links to the international UNAWE programme and to additional educational resources; (d) the development of new educational resources as part of UNAWE development worldwide; (e) liaison with the International Project Manager (based at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands) and with other EUNAWE partners based in Germany, Italy, Spain and South Africa; (f) the procurement of materials following EU and Observatory procedures; and (g) the provision of interim and annual reports and other written outputs according to the requirements of the EU Grant Agreement.

The project requires a high level of independent working; the use of initiative and accumulated experience, and the exercise of sound judgement. Candidates must have a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area; experience in explaining astronomy to schools and/or the general public; excellent written and oral communication skills; an understanding of how astronomy and the wider UNAWE programme align with the national curriculum, especially at primary school level; and good time/self-management skills. It is desirable that candidates should have a teaching qualification or equivalent experience working with children and/or teacher training; appropriate IT skills; experience in developing or supplying educational and/or promotional material for dissemination via the Internet and other media; and enthusiasm and a strong commitment to astronomy outreach.

The work will involve working closely with the EUNAWE National Coordinator at the Armagh Observatory, Professor Mark E. Bailey, particularly in translating project requirements into actions; and with the EUNAWE International Coordinator and International Project Manager, both based in Leiden, the Netherlands. There will be regular meetings between the EUNAWE Project Manager and the Grant PI at the Armagh Observatory, several per month during the initial phases of the project and a minimum of one per month thereafter.

The EUNAWE Project Manager will be expected to play a full role in the group of postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and occasional visitors to the Armagh Observatory of which he/she will be a part. This may include attending regional, national or international conferences and participating in astronomical field trips, which may occur at unsocial times, and carrying out any other duties commensurate with the grade as deemed necessary by the international EUNAWE project manager or the Director of the Armagh Observatory.

The closing date is 2011 August 5. Late applications may be considered until the position is filled. Applicants should send the completed application form and a full curriculum vitae to: The Administrator, Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, Northern Ireland (Tel: +44-(0)28-3752-2928; FAX: +44-(0)28-3752-7174; e-mail: jcdarm.ac.uk). Candidates should arrange for references from two or three referees to be sent to the same address as early as possible to ensure full consideration of the application. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to attend an interview shortly after the initial closing date. For more information about the project, please contact Professor Mark E. Bailey by email at mebarm.ac.uk.

The Armagh Observatory is an equal opportunities employer.

Last Revised: 2011 August 26th