Careers

We are once more expanding our team. As we continue to deliver exceptional experiences and develop a wide range of new programmes, we are looking to recruit one full time (37.5 hours) Astronomer and Science Communicator 

Location: Kielder, Northumberland, England (please only apply if you have a right to work in the UK)
Salary: £31,878.10 p/a + additional benefits, allowances, and bonus
Closing date: Midnight 16th August 2025
Must have: A driving license and access to your own transport. A passion for astronomy. Right to work in the UK (Unfortunately we do not offer a skilled worker VISA at this time).

Please read the following information entirely before submitting an application.

About us 

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical public outreach charity located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, in the largest dark skies park in Europe. With the inspiration from our skies and the strength of a passionate team, we deliver a truly unique Kielder experience that can transform people’s lives and make everlasting memories. We have hosted thousands of events at the observatory since we opened in 2008. We also run one of the most significant astronomy specific school programmes in England as well as delivering events and activities in prisons, hospitals, community centres, hotels and other venues across the UK and now globally. Amassing well over 700 events per year across all of our activities.

Who are we looking for? 

To sum it up in a phrase a passionate presenter. We welcome applications from everyone with an interest in and knowledge of astronomy. Passion for astronomy and engaging the public is at the core of what we look for in our team. Formal qualifications are not essential, it’s more important to demonstrate the ability to communicate your enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the universe to a wide range of audiences. We have a diverse team and are interested in different lived experiences. If you have any access requirements regarding making an application, please just let us know.  

What will you be doing? 

We are a small team of 15 across the whole organisation, supported by a bank of 40 volunteers who help deliver all of our activities. As part of our Science Communication team, you will be focused on taking part in delivering events to the public in range of settings, from the observatory site(s), to schools and venues across the region and beyond, and online via various streaming services, although much of your work schedule will be on site in Kielder.  

You will take part in the delivery of observatory tours and star gazing (weather permitting), talks and other activities which call for great public speaking, communication and performance skills driven from passion and enthusiasm for the topic.  

Most events run on evenings at the observatory and sometimes end beyond midnight. While school activities happen during the day, other external events can take place at varied times. You would be scheduled appropriately for whichever activities you’re taking part in that week.  

You will also have the opportunity to work on other content for production and science communication. Whether that be written content, video production using our in-house equipment, taking part in our monthly podcast, or production materials for social media channels.  

We welcome an active appetite to grow and learn and encourage our whole team to regularly take part in continuing professional development with an individual yearly budget to do so in addition to up to 10% allocated time from your schedule. 

If you are interested in helping inspire people from all walks of life with the wonders of our universe, we look forward to hearing from you.  

Please download the Job Description for full details and apply by 23:59 on 16th August 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Pye, Director of Astronomy and Science Communication (Deputy CEO) danpye@kielderobservatory.org 

To apply you can either:   

• Send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than 1 side of A4) to careers@kielderobservatory.org  

• Or submit your CV to careers@kielderobservatory.org and supporting statement via video (maximum 60 seconds for supporting statement video) using this link: Video Application (Upload Here) 

Job Description and Person Specification (click below): 

Astronomer and Science Communicator (Full Time) 

Please note, this is not a research role. Kielder Observatory is primarily a science outreach site.