PhD positions at the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics of the Australian National University

The Research School for Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) at the Australian National University invites applications from outstanding Undergraduate and Masters students of all nationalities for a number of fully-funded PhD scholarships to commence in 2023. Candidates will be considered on their merits, with the primary criterion for selection being formal university education and training in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, or Astronomical Instrumentation. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated track record of research experience in Astrophysics. Female candidates are strongly encouraged.

The Australian National University is Australia's premier university. Our astronomers have won the Nobel Prize, the Prime Minister's Science Prize, and Australian Research Council Laureate, Federation, and Future Fellowships.  RSAA academics are members of the National Academies of Science in Australia, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain.  Our graduating students regularly achieve prestigious international fellowships including Fulbright, Hubble, CfA, ESO, Magellan, and Jansky Fellowships.

PhD research projects are at the cutting-edge of Astrophysics ranging from observations with space telescopes, state-of-the-art telescopes of the European Southern Observatory, and radio telescopes to theoretical simulations and modelling with high performance computers at ANU and the national supercomputing facilities.

In addition to PhD projects in observational and theoretical Astrophysics we also offer PhDs in instrumentation research. The RSAA is leading the consortium for the ESO VLT instrument MAVIS and Australia's participation in the Giant Magellan Telescope as well as the development of the Giant Magellan Telescope Integral-Field Spectrograph. 

The Australian National University is located in Canberra, one of the few capital cities where nature reserves and parkland are integral to the urban planning. RSAA is based at Mount Stromlo within the Stromlo Forest Park. The Park includes a world-class mountain-biking trail, the Robert de Castella cross-country running track, the Stephen Hodge Criterium cycling circuit, and extensive equestrian and hiking trails.

PhD scholarship applications are due on December 9, 2022.  For details on how to apply to the RSAA graduate program, eligibility requirements, and a selection of available research supervisors and projects, see https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/phd/information-for-international-students.