Education and technical support officer in astronomy (1.0 FTE)

Are you passionate about observational astronomy and love supporting students in their learning process? Do you enjoy combining hands-on technical work with educational impact? If you enjoy working at the crossroads of education, technology and astronomy, this could be the opportunity for you!

As education support officer with technical skills, you will work closely with the inspiring team of teachers and researchers at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute. Together, you will ensure that our practical astronomy courses run smoothly, safely and effectively, from content and software setup to maintaining telescopes and facilities. You will be guiding large groups of enthusiastic students as they learn how to observe, analyse and experiment, helping them grow their research and computing skills.The technical aspects will concern responsibility for the maintenance and development of the technical facilities, the software, and the didactic setup of the computers and operation and maintenance of facilities in the Blaauw Observatory and Dark Sky Telescope.

Why would you want this job?

1. Technical impact: You play a critical role in enabling high-quality observational research and education through your hands-on technical support.
2. Impactful work: you make a direct impact on the next generation of astronomers through hands-on teaching and technical guidance.
3. Self-actualization: you get to combine your love for astronomy, programming and technical problem solving in a dynamic and collaborative setting.

As an education and research support officer in astronomy your key responsibilities will include

- Providing technical support for astronomy courses, with a focus on computerbased and observational practicals
- Technically supporting bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students in using telescopes and software tools.
- Developing and maintaining instruction manuals and safety protocols.
- Maintaining and operating the Blaauw observatory and dark sky telescope, ensuring the smooth operation of the telescopes and instrumentation, also in relation to specific computer hard- and software.
- Monitoring and updating hardware/software for observational education.
- Staying up to date with programming and observational methods in collaboration with researchers and teachers.
- Supporting public outreach activities of the astronomy group.

Where you will work
The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, city of talent. Quality has had top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) offers education and research in a wide range of science disciplines, from traditional disciplines such as physics and biology to interdisciplinary disciplines such as artificial intelligence and industrial engineering and management. Our community has an open and informal character with students and staff from around the world.

This position will be embedded in FSE’s School of Science and Engineering, which offers 14 Bachelor degree programmes and 26 Master degree programmes to approximately 7,200 students. You will become part of the team responsible for the astronomy bachelor and master programmes, which includes education in observational astronomy, among other things.

We are looking for an education and research support officer who

- Holds a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics or related technical field.
- Has technical knowhow of observing and observing equipment.
- Is skilled in programming for astronomy, especially in Python.
- Has problem solving skills and enjoys working independently.
- Communicates clearly and is eager to support students from diverse backgrounds.
- Has a proactive attitude and a passion for education.
- Experience in teaching or educational support is a plus.

Our working conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities

- A salary of at least € 3,218 gross per month to a maximum of € 4,298 gross per month (scale 8) when working full time.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus based on annual gross income.
- Temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of one year, with the prospect of a permanent contract.
- Based on a 38-hour work week (full-time), you will receive 232 annual leave hours. It is possible to choose a 36- or 40-hour work week. If you choose a 40-hour work week, you accumulate an additional 96 hours of annual leave. If you opt for a 36-hour work week, you will lose 96 leave hours per year.
- A good pension plan with the ABP pension fund.