Jobs
Jobs at the IfA
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH EVALUATOR
Application Deadline: 31st May 2024
SUMMARY
We are seeking a freelance Evaluator to work on a Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded grant, to design and support the evaluation of a new outreach programme to install and operate smart telescopes in Scotland’s outdoor education centres.
Applicants for this role should have:
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Demonstrable experience as an evaluator on STEM based public engagement and/or outreach projects
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A good understanding of research impact
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Understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation
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Experience of evaluating projects involving children, teachers and volunteers
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Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Excellent record keeping
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Astronomical knowledge is welcomed but not necessary.
In addition applicants must be able to visit our two pilot centres, one near Dunoon and one near Aviemore, Scotland, on relatively short notice given the critical weather-dependence of the evaluation study.
CONTEXT
The Royal Observatory Edinburgh Trust is a charity dedicated to enhancing the public’s understanding of Astronomy in Scotland. The Trust has partnered with members of the University of Edinburgh: Prof. Catherine Heymans, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, and Prof. Andy Lawrence, the Regius Professor of Astronomy, to develop a new outreach programme to install telescopes in Scotland’s outdoor education centres.
In an STFC funded pilot project, the Trust is working with Edinburgh City Council and the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh to offer weather-dependent dark sky telescope experiences to primary school children during their week-long stays in one the two outdoor centres run by the Council. Schools will be offered a follow-up virtual visit from the Astronomer Royal to consolidate their learning experience.
This programme aims to
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Provide an inclusive opportunity for pre-teens to view the cosmos first-hand
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Deliver an exciting and extraordinary telescope experience
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Engage friends and family in the experience through online photo albums
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Inspire pre-teens to consider astronomy as an exciting science that they want to learn more about at secondary school
The pilot project is also trialling two different telescopes comparing the Unistellar evScope, with the SeeStar50, assessing the relative impact of the experience for the visitors and the ease of use for the centre staff.
For more information about the project you can see our website and the following social media posts:
THE EVALUATOR BRIEF
The Evaluator will support Prof. Catherine Heymans, Prof. Andy Lawrence and the team leads at each outdoor education centre to
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Develop and implement appropriate strategies and quantitative or qualitative methodologies to capture the impact of planned activities, including live-assessments and follow-up teacher and pupil evaluations
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Ensure any live-assessment data acquisition can be implemented by on-site staff for the duration of the project
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Implement a data management and analysis plan
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Sept-Dec 2024: Join two telescope nights at each of the outdoor centres to monitor the progress of the project and update the impact assessment strategy if necessary
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Liaise with schools after successful sessions to offer a follow-up session
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Analyse assessment data, summarising findings and the impacts of the project
The evaluator will also be expected to provide feedback on the first draft of the final evaluation report. Note these activities are subject to refinement with Prof. Heymans and Prof. Lawrence as the project progresses.
BUDGET AND SCHEDULE OF WORKS
Evaluator Fee: There is a fixed fee budget of £7500, with additional funding available for travel and accommodation expenses for the two overnight visits to each centre (i.e 4 nights in total) between September and December 2025.
Delivery period: July 2024 – May 2025
Expected working pattern: Flexible working throughout the project period, with more intense working around key milestones. Most of the work will be undertaken remotely, with the Evaluator expected to meet with Prof. Heymans and Prof. Lawrence when necessary via Zoom. Applicants must be able to visit our two pilot centres, one near Dunoon and one near Aviemore, Scotland, on relatively short notice given the critical weather-dependence of the evaluation study.
SELECTION PROCESS
Proposals will be reviewed by Prof. Catherine Heymans and Prof. Andy Lawrence. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online interview to discuss their interest and suitability for the role w/c 10th June 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following to Catherine Heymans: heymans@roe.ac.uk by 17:00 on Friday 31st May 2024
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A brief cover letter, outlining your interest, suitability for the role and outline of your proposed approach (max. 2 sides A4). We are flexible in terms of approach and welcome innovative ideas
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CV (max. 2 sides A4)
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Portfolio addendum (max. 2 sides A4)
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Names and contact details for two references
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about this brief, please get in touch with Catherine Heymans: heymans@roe.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Application deadline: 07 June 2024.
This post-doctoral position will support the development of the European Space Agency mission Comet Interceptor, in particular the work on identification of a suitable target for the mission. The post is for 2 years initially, but is expected to be extended, depending on availability of funds, for the lifetime of the mission. We are looking for a researcher in comet science, who will support mission activities and perform original research in the field, preferably in an area directly relevant to the mission. Ideally the candidate will have experience with observational studies of comets.
In addition to research in cometary science, the post holder will be expected to contribute to mission-related public communication, and UK project management activities related to the mission. Relevant experience in these areas would be beneficial.
More details at can be found here.