SkyHopper CubeSat Research Associates

The School of Physics at the University of Melbourne (UoM) is inviting applications for three research associates/senior research associates with a background in astronomical instrumentation for nano-satellites and/or aerospace engineering to join the SkyHopper Space Telescope mission team.

The SkyHopper CubeSat is a UoM-led international nano-satellite mission to demonstrate new capabilities of CubeSats for astronomy and planetary science, enabling observations only possible from above Earth’s atmosphere. SkyHopper, expected to be launched by 2022, will be among the world's first astronomy CubeSats, and the first to be equipped with state-of-the-art, actively-cooled infrared imaging, hosted by an agile and highly stable spacecraft.

The successful applicants will work on the design of the spacecraft with A/Prof Michele Trenti - the mission Principal Investigator - other researchers, engineers and students in the SkyHopper team, and with commercial sub-contractors. Three roles are available: a spacecraft-level Project Manager, a spacecraft-level Systems Engineer, and a Thermal Engineer.  

The positions are available for the currently-funded 15-month-long detailed definition study (project phase C), and a fraction of this time (up to approximately 25%) will be available for independent research and projects. The successful applicants will be encouraged to develop new research opportunities in the area of nano-satellites and establish collaborations for future missions. The anticipated starting date can be as early as July 2019, but commencement later in 2019 is also possible.

Funds will be available for travel and other research expenses. Assistance towards relocation expenses and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful appointee if required.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate potential ability to obtain a licence to access ITAR-restricted technical data and hardware.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact A/Prof. Michele Trenti ([email protected]) for additional information.

Applications should be submitted through the University of Melbourne Career Website (positions number: 0048273 - Project Manager; 0048274 - Systems Engineer; 0048137 - Thermal Engineer) and must include a CV, list of publications, a brief statement to address selection criteria and a proposal for independent research, and the names of three referees. Letters of reference should be sent directly to [email protected] by the application deadline (May 26th, 2019).