Research Engineer

The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) and associated Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) invite applications for a 3-year postdoctoral engineering research associate position based at Curtin University in Western Australia. ICRAR and CIRA play key roles in the development, construction and operation of new radio astronomical facilities, in particular the SKA precursor Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope, as well as playing major parts in Australia’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). CIRA, comprising more than fifty staff and PhD students, is at the forefront of low frequency radio astronomy research as the manager and operator of the MWA. The MWA has been fully operational since 2013, undertaking a number of important science programs whose results are contributing to the design process for SKA_Low.

As Research Engineer at CIRA, you will undertake a research program in the field of radio astronomy engineering, working within the Astronomical Instrumentation group led by A/Prof Randall Wayth. The Astronomical Instrumentation group has a broad development program spanning most aspects of low frequency radio astronomy. The successful applicant will focus on the signal transport, digital signal processing and real-time calibration aspects of the MWA and Engineering Development Array (EDA) radio telescopes.

In addition, the successful applicant will:
- Present results internally within the MWA collaboration, and publish in high-quality journals
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Support field programs to deploy, test and verify instrumentation developed for the program

You will need a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (most probably electrical engineering or radio astronomy). A demonstrated ability to conduct leading-edge research and publish high-quality papers is essential, as are excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to travel interstate and / or overseas is a requirement. Practical knowledge of antennas, radio interferometry, signal processing, RF electronics and digital systems would be highly desirable.