Opportunities

Current Vacancies

Hospitality Service Assistant

We are looking for a new Hospitality Services Assistant to support the day to day running of our popular Planet Café and new First Light Café! Based at at Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement – home to the Lovell Telescope and a UNESCO World Heritage site – this part time role involves:

  • Café, barista, and delivered catering services as required
  • Assisting with food preparation, stock control, and storage
  • Pot washing and table clearing
  • Maintaining the required standards of professional presentation, safety, and hygiene at all times

Find out more and apply here (deadline 1 July)

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Volunteering at Jodrell Bank

We currently have openings for Visitor Engagement Volunteers.

Our Visitor Engagement Volunteers are key to delivering extraordinary guest experiences. They provide essential orientation, exceptional customer service, and engaging interactions making each day truly special.

The role involves:

  • Making visitors feel welcome and answering questions.
  • Helping to direct visitors around the site.
  • Helping with craft activities.
  • Talking to visitors about the science of the site.
  • Helping with day and evening events.

To register as a volunteer, please click the button below. If you have any further queries about volunteering at Jodrell, please contact becky.cowie@manchester.ac.uk.

Please note: The volunteer opportunities are focused on public engagement with science. It does not include access to the observatory or involvement in its scientific work.

Work Experience

We are now taking applications for the new academic year (2025/26).

Designed for year 10 and year 12 students, the work experience is based at Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement and focuses on our public engagement activities, interacting with schools and members of the public to educate them on the history and work of our site.

Typical activities.

  • Shadowing the Engagement team, directing members of the public, and supporting school groups.
  • Assisting with presenting films, talks, and shows.
  • Working in visitor centre galleries, answering visitors’ questions, and giving directions.

The work experience runs over four days (Tuesday to Friday).

Please note: This work experience is focused on public engagement with science. It does not include access to the Observatory or involvement in its scientific work. The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s work placement program is specifically designed for undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study.