Research Fellow: MINERVA-Australis exoplanet observatory

The Astrophysics group at University of Southern Queensland invites applications for a Research Fellow position to work with Associate Professor Rob Wittenmyer in the development of instrumentation and execution of observations using the MINERVA-Australis telescope array.

MINERVA-Australis is a collection of small 0.7m automated telescopes dedicated to the detection and characterization of exoplanets using high-cadence, highly-precise photometric and radial velocity measurements.  The primary mission of MINERVA-Australis is to perform follow-up observations of planet candidates detected by TESS.

The successful candidate will work with Wittenmyer on the following areas: (1) The development of astronomical instrumentation, including photometers and an RV spectrograph for the MINERVA-Australis telescope array; (2) Timely identification and prioritisation of TESS exoplanet candidates for photometric and radial velocity follow-up.

These topics are at the forefront of exoplanetary science, an exciting and growing branch of astronomical investigation. The successful applicant will lead and participate in development of instrumentation for the MINERVA-Australis  telescope array and participate in the analysis and publication of data from both the Northern and Southern MINERVA projects.  Applicants with previous experience with instrument development for small telescopes and/or in the acquisition and analysis of RV spectroscopy, transit photometry are encouraged to apply.

Position Number: 01003464, Academic Level  B, remuneration range $104,992 to $124,098 pa, Toowoomba location.

For more information please visit:
https://www.usq.edu.au/hr/jobs or https://www.seek.com.au/job/32749286

Enquiries can be directed to Associate Professor Rob Wittenmyer:

robert.wittenmyer –at- usq.edu.au

For information on the USQ Astrophysics Group please visit:

http://astrophysics.usq.edu.au

Applications close Wednesday 17 Mar 2017 at 05:00 PM (AEST)