PhD positions at the Australian National University / Mt. Stromlo Observatory

The Research School for Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) at the Australian National University invites applications from outstanding undergraduate and masters students of all nationalities for fully-funded PhD scholarships to begin in 2018/2019.  Students with previous research experience in astrophysics or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

The RSAA PhD Program includes innovative graduate level astrophysics courses taught by some of the world's preeminent astrophysicists, including Prime Minister's Science Prize winner Ken Freeman, Pawsey Medal winner Naomi McClure-Griffiths, Warner Prize winner Mark Krumholz, and Laureate Fellows Martin Asplund and Lisa Kewley. 

PhD research projects on offer are at the cutting-edge of astrophysics, and include observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Magellan 6.5m and the VLT 8m telescopes, and new theoretical simulations with the ANU and the National Supercomputer facilities.  Our graduating students regularly achieve prestigious international fellowships including Hubble, CfA, ESO, Magellan, and Jansky Fellowships.

The RSAA designed and built the first two Australian instruments for the international Gemini Observatory. The RSAA is also leading Australian participation in the billion-dollar, international Giant Magellan Telescope, including the development of the Giant Magellan Telescope Integral-Field Spectrograph (GMTIFS).  In addition to PhD projects in observational and theoretical astrophysics, we also offer PhDs in instrumentation research and development.

The Australian National University is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia.  Canberra is one of the few capital cities where nature reserves and parkland are integral to the city plan.  Canberra has extensive walking and bike trails.  The Research School for Astronomy & Astrophysics is located at Mount Stromlo, within the Stromlo Forest Park.  The Stromlo Forest Park includes a world-class mountain-biking trail, the Robert de Castella cross-country running track, the Stephen Hodge Criterium cycling circuit, and extensive equestrian and hiking trails.

Scholarship applications are due on 1 Dec 2017.  For details on how to apply to the RSAA graduate program, eligibility requirements, and available research supervisors and projects, please see http://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/graduate/international-students.