The University of Sydney is Australia's premier university. We have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence, and employ over 6,800 permanent staff supporting over 46,000 students.
Applications are invited for up to two Postdoctoral Research Associates in the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA) at The University of Sydney, to carry out research on radio transients and variables working with Dr Tara Murphy and Prof Bryan Gaensler as part of an enthusiastic research group.
Your focus will be the "ASKAP Survey for Variables and Slow Transients" (VAST), a massive survey for radio transients, recently approved as one of eight large surveys for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). Your main responsibilities will be to help develop the transient detection and analysis pipelines for VAST, and to participate in early science from this project. The scientific focus of VAST is broad, from magnetars and X-ray binaries through to radio supernovae and orphan afterglows from gamma-ray bursts. You will also have the opportunity to design and conduct surveys on other SKA pathfinders including the SKA Molonglo Prototype (SKAMP) and the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA).
This position is full-time fixed-term for one year, subject to completion of a satisfactory probation and confirmation period for new appointees. An offer of a further two years will be subject to performance. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of appointment.
SIfA houses over 70 staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program in observational astrophysics, theory and instrumentation; for further information see http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/sifa .
The University of Sydney occupies a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world's great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Sydney offers warm weather, great food, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.
For more information and to apply, please use Reference No. 498/0909 and visit http://usyd.edu.au/positions . Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Murphy at tara@physics.usyd.edu.au . General enquiries can be directed to Fabrice Noël by email f.noel@usyd.edu.au or by telephone on +61 2 9036 7295.
