Research Associate / Research Fellow
Job Summary
Job Description
About Us
The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) comprises more than 60 staff and PhD students, primarily focused on radio astronomy research, but also spanning many other aspects of observational astronomy, radio astronomy engineering, applications of high performance computing in astronomy, and astrophysics theory (including simulation).
CIRA comprises one half of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) Joint Venture with The University of Western Australia, as well as being a node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D). CIRA researchers maintain excellent linkages with these and other national and international groups, and, in addition CIRA has partner access to the $80M Pawsey Supercomputing Centre.
CIRA is at the forefront of low frequency radio astronomy research as the manager and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) (www.mwatelescope.org) The MWA is an SKA precursor facility; it is fully operational, undertaking a number of important science programs spanning Galactic and extragalactic radio astronomy, pulsars, transients, the Epoch of Reionisation, solar and ionospheric physics, as well as radio astronomy engineering. The results of these programs also contribute to the scientific and technical preparation for SKA_LOW (www.skatelescope.org).
Your new role
As a Researcher with CIRA, you will work with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) Imaging Surveys Research Group to deliver a large low-frequency wideband sky survey and produce high-impact science using the resulting images and catalogues. The project requires a good knowledge of supercomputing and demonstrated capability in processing large datasets. You will work with CIRA science staff and members of the MWA collaboration.
The position works with project leader Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker and other MWA science experts at CIRA, to process and publish the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky MWA – eXtended (GLEAM-X) survey. This builds on the success of the original GLEAM survey and will be the widest-bandwidth low-frequency survey of the southern sky to date, producing wide-area images in both continuum and polarisation.
The survey comprises over 1,000 hours of MWA observations obtained across 2018 – 2022. The successful candidate will take a lead role in processing the data, using dedicated time at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre running and improving existing pipelines to deliver mosaicked images for further analysis. They will use the resulting images to pursue science projects of their choice, which may include studies of radio galaxies, galaxy clusters, supernova remnants, HII regions, transient sources, and/or ionospheric foregrounds.
To learn more about CIRA, please visit the below websites:
Essential Criteria:
- Doctoral qualification in radio astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or computer science.
- Familiarity with scripting in bash and python, and working in Linux environments
- Experience using supercomputers to run automated pipelines
- Experience with large data processing programmes, e.g. astronomical surveys
- Demonstrated track record of research outputs and communication of methods and results
- Potential for attracting external grants and funding
- Ability to or interest in supervising Higher Degree by Research students
- Commitment to principles of equity and diversity, and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience performing radio astronomical calibration and imaging
- Demonstrated understanding of radio astrophysics
- Experience with low-frequency radio astronomy datasets
Next steps
To apply, please complete the online application form via the link, noting we cannot accept resumes sent to the below email addresses.
Please provide a cover letter and resume that includes sufficient information and examples relating to the relevant selection criteria (outlined above) to allow us to assess your suitability for the role.
Applications close: 6 July 2022
Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and reference checks, and provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination and booster (if eligible).
If you have any queries in relation to requirements of the role, please contact Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker, Senior Lecturer at [email protected].
If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team at [email protected]
Why choose Curtin?
Our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym/childcare and medical centre, endless food options and great parking and public transport options.
For more info on our university visit www.curtin.edu.au
Inclusion and Diversity at Curtin
We are committed to ensuring that Curtin has an inclusive environment, free from harassment, in which all students, staff and the community feel respected, valued, and welcome.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people with disability to participate fully in our recruitment, selection, and appointment processes.
Disclaimer
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.
Compensation and Benefits
AUD $91,431 - AUD $122,133 plus 17% superannuation
20 days annual leave per annum (pro-rata)