Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Multi-Wavelength Transient Astronomy

The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise in the area of fast transient and multi-wavelength time domain science for a three year position.  The Research Fellow will work with A/Prof Jeff Cooke at Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University to help optimise and progress the Deeper, Wider, Faster (DWF) program and further their own transient research.

DWF is a Swinburne-led program involving over 60 multi-wavelength (radio through gamma-ray) telescopes and particle detector observatories worldwide and in space for real time fast (millisecond-to-hours duration) transient detection and rapid and later-time follow up.  Fast transients include gamma-ray, X-ray, and fast radio bursts and their counterparts, supernova shock breakouts and companion star collisions, novae, flare stars, kilonovae, and unknown events in this little explored regime, as well as rapidly varying sources and early detection of slower evolving events.  The appointee will help produce transient science publications from the rich DWF database along with their own research, as well as help optimise and progress DWF coordinated operational runs and citizen science program.  If interested, the Fellow is welcome to contribute to additional DWF-related opportunities, including advanced data visualisation, including virtual and augmented reality analysis, data sonification tools, and instrumentation projects.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will require a PhD in observational astrophysics with research interests and experience in time domain astronomy.  Demonstrable research skills in transient astronomy are essential, as evidenced by publications and/or technical skills through community code development.

Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing

The Centre, located in Melbourne, ranks among the best in the world and is one of Australia’s largest astronomy research institutes, hosting over 20 faculty, 20 post-doctoral researchers, 50 PhD students and many visiting international researchers.  Swinburne is one of the few universities in the world with guaranteed access to the W.M. Keck Observatory telescopes in Hawaii and our astronomers have access to ESO and Australian telescopes, and regularly obtain time on HST, VLT, Magellan, AAT, ATCA, Parkes, ASKAP and many other major facilities.  Swinburne hosts the headquarters of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave discovery (OzGrav; www.ozgrav.org/) and the next generation Australian Supercomputer for Theoretical Astrophysics (OzSTAR), with petaflops performance and state-of-the-art 2D and 3D visualisation facilities. 

Living in Melbourne

Melbourne is top ranked for its quality of life and as a destination for working abroad (ranked #1 or #2 in the world since 2010).  Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, with ocean, mountains, and wildlife nearby.  The city offers a diverse range of nightlife, restaurants, entertainment, festivals, and culture, while featuring numerous parks, open spaces and excellent public transportation. 

How to Apply: See the full position description here: http://bit.ly/PostdocRF_PD - and follow the instructions to apply online. Applications must include a cover letter, CV with publications and skills listed, and a 2-page research plan that describes the research you would like to pursue individually and as part of the DWF team.  Three letters of reference are to be submitted independently by the referees to Jeff Cooke at [email protected] by the deadline.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2020