CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Radio Astronomy: Discovering Cosmic Dawn

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Archive Date: 
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Government Agency
Institution/Company: 
CSIRO
Department Name: 
Space and Astronomy
City: 
Sydney or Perth
State/Province: 
NSW or WA
Zip/Postal: 
2113 or 6156
Country: 
Australia
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Do you have a PhD in astronomy, physics, electronic engineering or a related field?...

The Opportunity

  • Build precision radio instruments to observe the astrophysics of cosmic dawn when the first stars lit up our universe
  • Gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to lead key science research in this exciting 3 year postdoctoral role

Apply Here by 19 September 2021, 11:00pm AEST

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have  no more than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future science leaders.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will build and deploy a sensitive spectral radiometer to detect the redshifted 21 cm radio signal from neutral hydrogen during the Cosmic Dawn.  They will commission and observe with the new radiometer at the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) site in Western Australia before deploying to more remote sites at land and sea. Advanced mathematical statistical analysis will be required to detect and measure weak 21 cm signals in the recorded spectra. The challenge is in the necessary precision calibration of the instrument and the development of algorithms to detect weak spectral signatures predicted by cosmology. The cosmic signatures must be carefully separated from the much brighter radio emissions of our Galaxy and our built environment.

Discovering the physics of the emergence of first stars and ultra-faint galaxies from primordial gas is a key goal of modern astrophysics and the Square Kilometre Array. Single-antenna radiometer detection of cosmic dawn is a complementary effort. It is a first step that will pave the way for more detailed studies with the SKA-Low that is being built in Western Australia. At the project’s conclusion, the Postdoctoral Fellow will be empowered with the theoretical understanding and the experimental experience necessary to lead key science with SKA-Low.

Flexibility CSIRO Space & Astronomy is committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and equity within our workplace. CSIRO offers a range of flexible working arrangements to support these initiatives including part time and job-sharing options. You will have input on how, when and where you work.

Salary AU$88,163 to AU$96,573 pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation

Location Sydney or Perth (Australia)

Applications are open to

  • Australian/New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian Permanent Residents
  • Temporary residents currently residing in Australia (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible onshore candidates)
Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$65004.00 (USD)
Salary Max: 
$71212.00 (USD)
Hourly Rate Min: 
$33.91 (USD)
Hourly Rate Max: 
$37.15 (USD)
Included Benefits: 

Superannuation up to 15.4% in addition to base salary

Flexibility You will have input on how, when and where you work.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, October 15, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Aaron Chippendale
Title: 
Dr
Institution/Company: 
CSIRO
Department Name: 
Space & Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
PO Box 76
City: 
Epping
State/Province: 
NSW
Zip/Postal Code: 
1710
Country: 
Australia
Phone: 
+61 9372 4296
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
76147
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Dr Aaron Chippendale
Subject: 
Postdoctoral Felloship: Discovering Cosmic Dawn