Work Experience at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre is sited at the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh, along with part of the Edinburgh University Institute for Astronomy. The UK ATC is the national centre for astronomical technology. Our specialist engineers design and build instruments for many of the world’s major telescopes. We also project-manage UK and international collaborations.

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 2026, the UK Astronomy Technology (UK ATC) work experience team will be delivering on-site work experience placements over two separate weeks, Monday 8th to Friday 12th June and Monday 15th to Friday 19th June. We cannot host students outside this time period.

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 our work experience programme are competitive and applying for a position with us does not guarantee you a work experience placement.

Applications for 2026 are now open and will close on Friday 13th March.
The application form is live at this link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UKATC_WorkExp_2026/

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 (please note this is a technology/engineering-focused placement and NOT an astronomy or astrophysics placement)
  • 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

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: ukatcworkexp@stfc.ac.uk

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.