Research Associate - Cosmic Rays

Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)

CIRA comprises over 90 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.
  
CIRA forms one half of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), a joint venture with The University of Western Australia. CIRA researchers maintain excellent linkages with these and other national and international groups, and make extensive use of the nearby Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. CIRA is located in Perth, Western Australia, which has recently been ranked amongst the top twenty most liveable cities in the world (The Economist, 2019). 
  
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), and a contributor to the international SKA project (www.skatelescope.org).
  
For more info see:  https://astronomy.curtin.edu.au/

Your new role

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to the project “Detecting cosmic rays using precision radio imaging”, funded by the Australian Research Council.

The role involves:

• The acquisition and interpretation of MWA data at nanosecond timescales
• Event reconstruction using simulations of radio emission from extensive air showers; and,
• Commissioning an array of low-RFI scintillation detectors to be used for triggering.

The successful applicant will take a lead role within the MWA cosmic rays group. They will enhance the MWA’s capabilities for cosmic ray detection by working with the MWA’s engineering and operations team, the Square Kilometre Array’s High Energy Cosmic Particles Focus Group, and CIRA research groups in high-energy astrophysics. They will produce peer-reviewed publications, take advantage of grant opportunities, and apply for observation time with the MWA.

Essentia Criteria:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline is essential for appointment, as is the ability to work in Western Australia.
• Demonstrated relevant subject/discipline knowledge and knowledge and experience in relevant research techniques.
• Demonstrated competency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research tasks.
• Emerging research track record/potential to conduct quality research and contribute productively to research teams under supervision.

Why choose Curtin?

• Easily accessible location with parking, bus station and end of trip facilities.
• A vibrant campus with gym, childcare, wellness programs, medical and counselling services.
• A major global player, with well-integrated campuses in Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius and Dubai.

Next steps

To apply, please complete the online application form at http://staff.curtin.edu.au/job-vacancies/?ja-job=418320

Please include a cover letter, resume and separate document addressing the selection criteria to enable us to assess your suitability for the role. The selection criteria can be found under the section 'essential criteria' outlined above.
  
To view a copy of the Academic Role Statement for this position, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: 
https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/sender/?s=download&token=77a3ce47-aeeb-47b7-9489-ca0933a923f3

Please only apply via the application link - please do not send your resume directly to the above contact.

Applications close: 9:00PM AWST, Friday 4 February 2022

Contact details

If you have any queries in relation to the application process please contact our careers team at [email protected] 

If you would like to speak to a technical specialist please contact Dr Clancy James via email at [email protected].

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging 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.

We have received recognition in this area:

• Voted one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers by the Diversity Council of Australia.
• One of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an ‘Elevate’ Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation.
• 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019).

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.