Postdoctoral Research Associate - Extreme star-forming galaxies

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Swinburne University of Technology
Department Name: 
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing
Street Line 1: 
2 Luton Lane
City: 
Hawthorn
State/Province: 
VIC
Zip/Postal: 
3122
Country: 
Australia
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 
  • Extreme star-forming galaxies with HST and ALMA data
  • Starting from $84,201+ 17% super
  • 2 year 5 month fixed term contract, Hawthorn location

About the job
Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position in observational astrophysics in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia to work primarily with ARC Future Fellow Dr. Deanne Fisher and also Centre Director Prof Karl Glazebrook. 

As our Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work within an international collaboration committed to understanding the evolution of galaxies and star formation within them. The first is project DYNAMO sample of star-forming galaxies. DYNAMO galaxies are locally selected targets that have similar star-formation and kinematic properties to galaxies in the early Universe, with the aim of studying the physical relation of kinematics, star- formation, gas density and galaxy morphology at earlier times, z~1-2. The project will use already obtained data from Keck, Gemini, ALMA, and/or HST. We are especially interested in research either with our current ALMA Cycle 5 CO program and/or our current HST UV-optical-IR imaging program. The appointee will also be encouraged to work on projects relating to angular momentum. Our group has collected Keck and VLT data to study the angular momentum of galaxies at z=1-2. 

About Swinburne 
Swinburne houses an active astronomy group, and is one of Australias largest astronomy centers. Swinburne astronomers have institutional access to W.M. Keck telescopes in Hawaii, and regularly obtain observing time on the AAT, VLT, HST, Magellan, ATCA and Parkes telescopes. The Centre has OzSTAR, the Australian GPU Supercomputer for Theoretical Astrophysics, available in-house, as well as access to state-of-the-art 3D visualization facilities.

About you
To be successful in the role, you will have:

  • A PhD in observational astrophysics
  • A track record of research in galaxy evolution as demonstrated by publication
  • Experience in handling astronomical data including at least one, but not necessarily all, of the following: optical/IR images, IFU spectroscopy, and/or radio interferometry data.
  • Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work within a diverse team.

A full list of the selection criteria is available within the position description

Benefits and Life in Melbourne
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan place with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. The Centre itself is located in the diverse inner city suburb of Hawthorn with very good public transport connections.


Further information and how to apply
The diverse culture within Swinburne is a source of strength. We are proud to be recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality 2018 and of key initiatives such as our Pride@Swinburne Strategic Action Plan and our Reconciliation Action Plan which are integral components of our 2025 vision to be world class university creating social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation. Swinburne has also received the Victorian “High Commendation” Multicultural Excellence Award (Business Category).
To view the position description or to start an application click on apply at the bottom of this page and submit a resume, cover letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the Position Description.

Please have at least 2 letters of reference sent to [email protected]

Please do not email or send paper applications, all applications must be submitted online.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact [email protected].

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Recruitment team on [email protected] 

Should you require further support for an interview due to special needs or consideration, please contact our Diversity Consultant, Dr. Walter Robles, on [email protected], or our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Officer, Sherrin Trautmann on [email protected].


Applications close at 11:59PM on Friday, October 26 2018 (AEST)

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$61079.40 (USD)
Application Deadline: 
Friday, October 26, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Deanne Fisher
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Deanne Fisher