Work Experience at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre

Each year at STFC, we are proud to run a highly successful work experience scheme for S4, S5 and S6 students at schools based in or near Edinburgh. In June 2025, the UK Astronomy Technology (UK ATC) work experience team will be delivering on-site work experience provision for young people. We will be running two separate weeks of on-site placements.

Please ensure you know how you will travel to the lab each day, before applying for a placement.

If you have any queries about work experience, please do not hesitate to email us.

How to apply

Applications for 2025 will open at midday on Monday 6th January and will be open until Friday 14th March.
We cannot accept any late applications.

All applicants will hear from us by early April, letting them know if they have been offered a placement. 

All applicants will need to complete an online application form. Please consider the following skills when you fill this in.

Essential Skills:

  • Willingness to learn and ask questions
  • Enthusiasm for science and engineering
  • Interest in STFC’s work
  • Ability to work well and can communicate with others

Desirable Skills:

  • Ability to work safely in a lab or shared space
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Please note: the UK Astronomy Technology Work Experience Programme is for students in S4, S5 and S6 (or equivalent) in education at schools based in the UK

Sample application questions can be found here.

Placement details 

Placements will last one week from Monday 9th June to Friday 13th June or Monday 16th June to Friday 20th June 2025

Please note: Unfortunately this year we are unable to offer placements in alternative weeks

How to get to UK Astronomy Technology Centre 

UK Astronomy Technology Centre 
Royal Observatory Edinburgh
Blackford Hill 
Edinburgh
EH9 3HJ
Telephone: 0131 668 8100 Email: [email protected]

Directions

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre is situated on Blackford Hill, to the south of the city, it should not be confused with the pre-1893 City Observatory on Calton Hill. The Royal Observatory Edinburgh is signposted from the Cameron Toll roundabout, Mayfield Road and Blackford Avenue.