STFC Science Board (PPAN) member in astronomy

Closing date
23 October 2024
Number of positions
One
Length of term
Four years, beginning November 2024
Time commitment
Four to six meetings a year, both in-person and video conference.
Potentially additional extraordinary meetings for specific activities.
Each meeting requires approximately one day of preparation.
Remuneration
£170 per day
Outcomes communicated
November 2024

Science Board (PPAN) will provide the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) with strategic scientific advice on, and assessment of, the STFC (Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics) PPAN programme. This includes particle astrophysics, space science and the accelerator and computational requirements of the science programmes.

In this recruitment round, the board is seeking a member with expertise in astronomy, specifically in:

  • galaxy formation
  • inter-stellar medium
  • millimetre and sub-millimetre observing

Who we’re looking for

For the current recruitment round we are looking for one Science Board (PPAN) member in astronomy only.

This will be an interesting opportunity for such an expert to contribute to key strategic discussions on a long-term prioritised PPAN roadmap. The PPAN roadmap will set the guiderails on future investments, inform STFC’s planning decisions and help optimise delivery of excellent science and impact.

We are looking for applications from individuals at UK-based institutions or organisations, but not all are eligible. In order to maintain the institutional and scientific programme funding balance on Science Board (PPAN) we are not able to accept applications from members of the astronomy community who are employed at any of the following institutions:

  • Cardiff University
  • Durham University
  • Imperial College London
  • Kings College London
  • Liverpool John Moores University
  • Open University
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
  • University of Brighton
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Leicester
  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of St Andrews
  • University of Warwick
  • University of York

If you have any concerns over eligibility, you can email susanna.mitolo@stfc.ukri.org

A dynamic, diverse and inclusive Science Board (PPAN) is critical to ensuring STFC get the best strategic advice. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from:

  • women
  • people who identify as an ethnic minority
  • people with a disability
  • other groups who are currently under-represented on the board

What you'll be doing

Science Board (PPAN) will provide STFC with strategic scientific advice on, and assessment of, the STFC PPAN programme, which includes particle astrophysics, space science and the accelerator and computational requirements of the science programmes.

The board:

  • reviews and considers long-term PPAN science, technology and accelerator strategies for STFC, including identifying and prioritising scientific opportunities and understanding the underpinning technological development
  • provides advice on proposed and existing STFC PPAN science and technology programmes and investments, considering individual projects in the broader context of the overall portfolio and longer-term science and technology prioritisation
  • provides strategic advice on STFC’s scientific investment portfolio, accounting for programme priorities, long-term science strategy and outcomes from strategic reviews of STFC’s programme
  • provides advice on the long-term roadmaps for the different strands of the PPAN programme, in the context of the STFC PPAN 10-year financial plan
  • reviews on an annual basis the STFC rolling financial plan for the PPAN programme, providing recommendations on the long-term balance in the context of the wider STFC strategy
  • consults with the STFC-supporting scientific communities via its advisory panels to ensure the science and technology strategies reflect the UK’s scientific priorities
  • provides strategic advice and guidance to STFC on the framework within which projects and areas of science are assessed in terms of their scientific quality
  • provides strategic scientific advice, as required, on the programmes of the UK Space Agency as part of the ‘dual key’ arrangements
  • provides co-ordinated advice, alongside Science Board (Facilities and Laboratories), in cross-cutting areas such as technology, computing and accelerators through mechanisms including joint meetings, task and finish groups

Science Board (PPAN) will normally consist of 16 senior members of the academic and research community based at UK institutions, in addition to a chair.

The members will be representative of STFC’s core research stakeholder communities:

  • particle physics including one theorist (six members)
  • astronomy and space science (six members)
  • particle astrophysics (two members)
  • nuclear physics (two members)

Find out more about the terms of your appointment in the handbook for members of STFC advisory bodies.

Term and meetings

Membership would ideally begin in November 2024, as we are seeking to appoint a new member in Astronomy who will be able to attend and contribute to the remaining meetings for this calendar year, when key strategic discussions on a long-term prioritised PPAN roadmap will take place. The PPAN roadmap will set the guiderails on future investments, inform STFC’s planning decisions and help optimise delivery of excellent science and impact.

Please check STFC Science Board (PPAN) members and meeting dates for information on the meeting dates for 2024.

Members will serve for four years. The overall membership is refreshed on a rolling annual cycle, to ensure continuity on the board.

Science Board (PPAN) will normally meet between four and six times a year across different STFC sites, and may have some additional extraordinary meetings for specific activities.

Meetings may be a combination of in-person and via videoconferencing, and each meeting requires approximately one day of preparation.

How to apply

If you want to read the application questions before applying, you can download a preview of the application form (PDF, 1MB).

Apply to become a member of STFC Science Board (PPAN).

The deadline to apply is 23 October at 11:45pm UK time.

How we’ll assess your application

Applications will be assessed by a panel usually made up of representatives from STFC Council and Executive Board, and the current Science Board (PPAN) Chair against the following criteria:

  • relevant scientific or technical expertise
  • experience of working strategically and an ability to exercise judgement both in a core scientific field and across STFC’s programmes
  • involvement in conducting, leading, or directing internationally significant research in an academic or other research institution
  • an understanding of national and international PPAN science contexts

All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines.

The panel will also consider the balance of institutions represented on the board as part of their assessment.

Further information

See the terms of reference of Science Board (PPAN).

Ask a question about Science Board (PPAN)

Email Susanna Mitolo, Strategy Manager.

Last updated: 26 September 2024

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