Professor & Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Natural Sciences is seeking applications for Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics for appointment from January 2026. There is the potential to start earlier to allow a period of overlap with the current director. The director will be responsible for leading the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and the Jodrell Bank Observatory.


Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (JBCA) forms part of the department of Physics and Astronomy and is one of the largest academic astronomy research groups in Europe, studying a very broad range of astrophysical research. Research staff are located in the Alan Turing Building on the main Manchester campus and also at Jodrell Bank, and comprise around 30 academic staff, 50 postdoctoral researchers, and 60 post-graduate students. JBCA operates both the 76-metre Lovell Telescope, and the UK national radio astronomy facility, e-MERLIN/VLBI. JBCA’s telescope facilities are located at Jodrell Bank Observatory, which also hosts the Headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) organisation. JBCA and SKA staff have close links, with several SKA staff enjoying honorary university appointments. Several large compute facilities are operated by the group both on campus and at the observatory. Jodrell Bank is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Role

Director of Astronomy and Astrophysics is a three-year post, potentially renewable, in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The incumbent will report to the Head of Department and be responsible for the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and the Jodrell Bank Observatory. The role encompasses overall strategic responsibility for astronomy and astrophysics in the University including active engagement in setting the strategic direction of astronomy and astrophysics both nationally and internationally. They will lead a management team for scientific research, engineering development, Jodrell Bank Observatory, and engagement with the Square Kilometre Array. They will also play a significant role in Public Engagement in Astronomy, working with the Director of the Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank visitor attraction.


Applicants will hold a substantive post as Professor within a relevant discipline or field. A job description and person specification are attached.


The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through contributing to the University’s social responsibility agenda, demonstrating a commitment to its policies, activities and delivery of initiatives including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department has obtained in 2025, as part of the first cohort, an Inclusion Award from the UK Institute of Physics.

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