Note the Science Council only lists roles which have a link to the work that we do. For a full list of vacancies at any one of our member organisations, please visit the organisation’s website.

Diversity Support Officer

Salary: £125 per day, equivalent of c. £32k pro rata.

Contract type: fixed-term contract – 9 months, 0.4 FTE

Closing Date: 7 July 2023

The RAS, founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. Its more than 4,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.

As part of their work, the Society has a commitment to supporting equity, diversion and inclusion in the research areas we represent. They have a well-established, but part time, Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer, and they are seeking someone who can assist and support their work.

The appointed person will report to the Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer, and work closely with the Education and Outreach team, the Committee for Diversity in Astronomy and Geophysics (CDAG) and other diversity partners.

The work includes:

• Creating a ‘best practices in EDI’ brochure for university departments. This piece of work will include interviewing specific university representatives, researching and collating information, and creating the document.
• Supporting diversity work for the RAS, in house and as our representative in relevant internal and external meetings.
• Carrying out some basic research work, including acquiring baseline diversity data on the composition of the Society, and working with the Diversity officer on potential new community projects.
• Supporting events aligned to their work in diversity and inclusion, including those taking place at our annual conference, NAM (National Astronomy Meeting), in summer 2024.

They are looking for someone with:

• A good understanding of, and experience in, work on issues in equity, diversity and inclusion in science, in particular in astronomy, space science and geophysics
• An awareness of current UK policy and legislation in relation to equality and representation; at both a national and an academic level
• Networking skills, and who is comfortable in working with people from different backgrounds and at different levels of seniority
• Good organisational skills, such as convening and supporting committees
• A degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent demonstrated knowledge of scientific research areas, and experience of at least desk-based research projects

The successful candidate will be employed by the Royal Astronomical Society for a period of nine months. Candidates should be UK-based and entitled to work in the UK for the duration of the contract. This role can either be home- or office-based, with visits for meetings at their premises at Burlington House in London a requirement on occasion, along with possible occasional UK travel.

To apply, please send a CV, covering letter and the names of two referees, to Dr Sheila Kanani, Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer via skanani@ras.ac.uk

• Please send in your application by 1700 BST on 7 July 2023.
• They are hoping that interviews will be held via Zoom in July, and the successful candidate will be notified in August 2023.