Dr Jack F. Radcliffe

Jack Radcliffe is the Science Community Director at the UK SKA Regional Centre (UKSRC) and a research scientist at the University of Manchester. He leads the science enabling stream that equips UK astronomers with the tools, workflows, and training required to turn SKA Observatory data into transformational discoveries. Jack’s technical expertise spans high-resolution radio surveys, calibration innovation, and data-intensive infrastructure that underpins the global VLBI community.

Recognised for bridging science and engineering, Jack co-chairs the SKAO VLBI Science Working Group, chairs the European VLBI Network programme committee, and founded the SKA-VLBI simulations task force. He holds an NRF Y1 rating, reflecting an international reputation for high-impact research and community leadership.

• 2025–present: UKSRC Science Community Director, University of Manchester — leads ~14 FTE across tools, user support, and community engagement for SKA data readiness.
• 2024: UKSRC Research Scientist, University of Manchester — grew the UKSKA regional centre and represented the UKSRC on the SKAO science committee.
• 2024: Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria — advanced radio astronomy curricula and commensal high-resolution surveys.
• 2021–2024: Lecturer, University of Pretoria — re-designed the Observational Astronomy course and led grant proposals to scale the astrophysics group.
• 2019–2021: SARAO Postdoctoral Fellow & Lecturer (part-time), University of Pretoria — pioneered MeerKAT- and VLBI-based studies of galaxy evolution and founded the postgraduate Radio Astronomy course.
• 2019: Research Associate, University of Manchester — delivered UKRI-backed training for the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) programme.

• Ph.D. in Astrophysics, University of Manchester & University of Groningen (2014–2019) — thesis: Nowhere to hide: identifying AGN in the faint radio sky.
• M.Sci. Honours & ARCS in Physics, Imperial College London (2010–2014) — graduated with First Class Honours and Associate of the Royal College of Science distinction.
• A-levels & GCSEs, Sir John Talbot’s Technology College (2003–2010) — awarded top grades across 16 subjects.