Senior Research Fellow (ALC) - Physics and Astronomy

4 years fixed term, full-time

$120,028 - $138,340 plus 17% superannuation

Curtin University is ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide (ARWU 2017), and in the top 50 in the world for universities under the age of 50 (QS World University Rankings 2017). In recent years, Curtin has climbed significantly in global league tables and in the 2016 Nature Index results, Curtin was named as a rising star, the most collaborative of the Australian universities, and the biggest Australian mover. Curtin is industry-facing, highly engaged with relevant partners, and a major global player, with well-integrated campuses in Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai.

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) concentrates its research effort into a range of projects in radio astronomy, including aspects of next generation telescopes. The institute has played a leading role in contributing high-impact engineering and science to the international Square Kilometre Array project.

Help us build Curtin's Future.

Your new role

We are seeking a new Senior Research Fellow, funded by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, to work on data analysis and scientific exploitation of new data from the recently-upgraded Murchison Widefield Array (MWA; http://mwatelescope.org/); a low-frequency radio telescope for which Curtin University is the lead and managing organisation.

Using the resources available from the nearby Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and your in-depth knowledge of low-frequency radio astronomy, you will develop new pipelines and algorithms to process data from the new long-baseline configuration of the MWA, which since 2017 has provided enhanced resolution and sensitivity at low radio frequencies (80-240 MHz).

• You will work closely with our established MWA science team, complementing their skills with your experience in long-baseline (>10 km), low-frequency (
• You will work openly and in close collaboration with existing teams from across the 21 MWA partner institutions, providing them with science-quality data to maximise the scientific productivity of the MWA telescope.  You will be widely respected for your collaborative qualities.
• You will use your in-depth subject matter knowledge of Galactic or extragalactic radio astronomy to enable and deliver new scientific publications from these data products.

This position will be based at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA), located on the Bentley Campus of Curtin University. The position will involve liaising with collaborators at MWA partner institutes both in Australia and overseas, and may involve regular travel between these institutes. 

You will bring to this role

• A doctoral qualification relevant to Physics or Astronomy.
• Demonstrated experience in processing data from a range of long-baseline, low-frequency interferometers such as LOFAR, the GMRT or the VLA.
• The technical skills to develop and implement new calibration algorithms and processing pipelines for low-frequency radio astronomical data.
• Previous experience in bringing together data from a range of low-frequency radio interferometers to tackle key science questions.
• An excellent research track record, with the capacity to both lead and enable scientific publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• A commitment to open and supportive collaboration and the development of a collegial and supportive working environment.
• The ability to attract competitive grant funding.
• Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact with students and staff with cross cultural sensitivity.

What we offer you

The salary ranges presented are those which are contained within the University's Enterprise Agreements; as are the employee benefits which include employer superannuation contribution at the rate of the current Government Superannuation Guarantee amount up to 17 percent, study assistance, a comprehensive salary packaging and wellness programs and flexible and family friendly work practices.

What we need from you

You are encouraged to respond specifically to the selection criteria.

Click here for the position description

Please note, screening and interviews may take place prior to the advertised close date.

Valuing diversity and affirmative action

Curtin University embraces diversity and inclusion and invites applications from women, men and intersex individuals who share the University's values, ethics, international outlook, value diversity and have an informed respect for indigenous people. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace, therefore, if you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. We will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process. All personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.

Curtin University has a bold vision to be one of the leading institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Curtin is now entering an exciting phase as it focuses on further building its research capacity, and improving its already strong reputation for innovation in learning and teaching.

Explore some more Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)

Contact details

To apply complete the application form below. Applications close: 5 pm, Tuesday 31 July 2018

For more information contact

A/Prof James Miller-Jones, Science Director, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy

Phone:  +61 8 9266 9141

Email:  [email protected]