Current Vacancies
Would you like to join our team of casual staff and play a vital role in the day to day running of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement?
We’re currently recruiting for casual positions on our Explainer team. We’re looking for confident communicators with a strong knowledge of and passion for astronomy to help with a range of tasks, including staffing our exhibitions and galleries, answering visitor questions, and delivering short talks on the science and heritage of Jodrell Bank.
Find out more and view the full job listing here. To apply, please send your CV to christian.knight@manchester.ac.uk and ellen.wilson-2@manchester.ac.uk.
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We also have openings to join our catering team on a casual basis, with weekday and weekend shifts available. If you’re a reliable, friendly individual with hospitality experience (essential), we’d love to hear from you!
To apply, please email jodrellbank@manchester.ac.uk with your CV. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to email us at the same address.
*Please note that Jodrell Bank is rurally located, with no direct public transport routes. Candidates must be able to travel independently to the Centre, either by car or other means.
Search more vacancies at the University of Manchester.
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).
Due to a high volume of applications, we are no longer taking work experience enquiries for the week commencing 23 March and between 15 June – 26 July 2026, as spaces for these dates have now been filled. Thank you!
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.