Microgravity Opportunities Development Officer
Unit: Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Salary: £33,797 to £40,322
Location: Milton Keynes
Please quote reference: 17738
Terms: Full time, fixed Term Contract (21 months in the first instance, though the possibility exists for the role holder to make the post self-sustaining for the longer term)
Closing Date: Friday 27 November 2020 Midday
Change your career, change lives
The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.
The role
The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a unique new role as a Microgravity Opportunities Development Officer. The post holder will be integrated within both the OU Astrochemistry Group and the OU’s “Space” strategic research area, working alongside Dr Helen Jane Fraser (Senior Lecturer in Astronomy) and Dr Jamie Bantock (Space Research and Enterprise Manager).
This role will be focused on new business and income generation based in emerging microgravity opportunities offered by the development of UK launch capabilities. You will build-on and exploit the OU’s existing expertise in microgravity experimentation, space-instrument qualification, and UK launch activities in governance, policy and social impacts of launch opportunities, and advisory / consultancy roles within this sector. You will develop new knowledge exchange and industrial links for the OU within this sector, as well as developing funding and income opportunities.
The ideal candidate will:
- have an understanding of microgravity environments and the current UK launch landscape, as well as knowledge of the stakeholders in the field, through prior experience in one of the following areas; launch services, space qualification processes, spaceport development, relevant scientific research, payload development or microgravity platform provision.
- be able to demonstrate strong organisational skills, particularly in events facilitating business and academic networking
- be able to evidence fundraising successes using a variety of media and methods for income generation, though neither of these may necessarily have been gained in this field.
See the attached Job Description for other desirable qualities
The what if? Covid questions!
The role will be based at the OU’s main site in Milton Keynes, and the role holder is expected to work at Walton Hall on a day-to-day basis but may require homeworking during office hours whilst the pandemic persists.
The role requires candidates to have a willingness to travel on a nationwide basis, to participate in sector networking, workshop and conference events, and to meet face-to-face with potential stakeholders, possible at the OU, or at external premises. Obviously, all such activities will occur remotely until such a time as national, local and university restrictions enable such activities to resume, and then with the appropriate health and safety, travel safety, (as well as risk assessments) in place.
Further Information
If you would like more information on these roles, or to discuss the roles informally prior to applying, please contact Dr Fraser [email protected].
What you get in return
Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 33 days holiday per annum pro rata plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days and an attractive pension proposition.
How to apply
For further information on how to apply please visit the posting on the OU Jobs page