The Space Academic Network, SPAN, is a forum with the aim of helping coordinate the space research academic groups across the UK, and working with the space community to help grow the space sector. The University of Leicester now chairs SPAN (Prof. Mark Sims) in collaboration with the University of Bristol (Prof. Kate Robson Brown co-chair).
With the University of Leicester, the Space Academic Network is looking for an individual who will work on behalf of its members, and help the development of strong interactions between academia, industry, government and the funding agencies. We particularly seek an experienced person with excellent knowledge of the UK Space Sector across academic, industrial and space agency elements. The post-holder will act on behalf of the SPAN members (and academia as a whole) representing the different space research disciplines with industry and agency/government with a goal of increasing and enhancing interaction between the parties and improving the access of the space academic research community to new funding streams.
The role holder will be required to travel, supporting a significant number of meetings nationwide but particularly in London and Swindon, plus performing visits to the SPAN member organisations (as needed and to maintain an appreciation of the SPAN community in the round). The “home base” for this role will be Space Park Leicester, with additional support from a part time administrative post based at the University of Bristol. Remote working for the role will be considered with only occasional or regular attendance required at Space Park Leicester.
The role is currently funded until March 2025 but with possible extension to March 2026 when the role of SPAN chairs is expected to change to another University within SPAN.