Research Academic

Curtin University

Bentley, Perth, WA

Research & Fellowships, Other (Education & Training)

Full time

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Reference Number: 998312

Your new Team - Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)

CIRA is a multidisciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA’s activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in radio astronomy. CIRA is the lead organization and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a key participant in the international SKA project, and a partner with Nova Systems translating key technologies toward satellite tracking.

CIRA is also the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). Established in 2009, ICRAR is one of the largest and most enduring academic research initiatives in Western Australia. Consistent performance and impact across science, engineering, and data and computing have earned ICRAR a place among the world’s premier multidisciplinary astronomy research organizations.

CIRA celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities, and abilities aligning with the selection criteria and are committed to preserving our principles of equitable and inclusive work and study environments.

About the Role:

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy is seeking a research academic for a research-only position in space situational awareness within their engineering team. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Eleanor Sansom and Professor Steven Tingay, contributing to CIRA’s research in adapting astronomy technologies and passive radar techniques for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and connecting those capabilities to optical sensor capabilities via data fusion techniques. CIRA co-operates a dedicated SSA array with Australian company Nova Systems, based in South Australia.

Your role will be to develop data processing algorithms based on radio astronomy techniques as part of the SSA team and assist in implementing them in the operational setting of the Curtin/Nova array. In addition, you will participate in research that seeks to combine radio SSA measurements with optical SSA measurements to explore sensor/data fusion.

The successful applicant will work with existing team members to develop a productive program around the SSA array, including supervision of HDR students, and drawing from experience across CIRA’s engineering and astrophysics programs.

Who we are looking for (selection criteria):

Essential Criteria:

Completion of, or advanced progress towards, a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., radio astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or computer science).

Demonstrated competency in quantitative and qualitative research skills in astronomy and astrophysics, such as experiment design, coding, data analysis, modelling, or interpretation.

Clearly demonstrated high-level communication skills in both oral and written form.

Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a research team, and a commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive working environment.

Demonstrated experience 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:

Australian citizenship

Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain an Australian government security clearance in the future

Hands-on experience in the design or development of radio astronomy equipment.

Experience in High Performance Computing and software development

Signal processing and data analysis.

Role Requirements 

As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.

Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, qualification verification, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Periodic travel to the site to undertake research and equipment maintenance will be required from time to time.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued, and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognize that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women, particularly in STEMM disciplines. 

As an Athena SWAN-accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. 

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

Up to 17% superannuation with *possible cash-out options, plus a variety of salary packaging options.

Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), personal leave (14 days), and annual leave (20 days).

Enjoy 12 public holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!) and 2 extra university days over the Christmas/New Year period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).

Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)

Flexible work arrangements, including return to work provisions

On-campus medical centre

The Academic Career Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives are detailed via the below link. 

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex, and sexuality, people with disabilities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better. 

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical center, bus station, accessible parking, and endless food options, including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and an array of discounts for retail, travel, and much more.

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW, ensuring to attach the following documents: 

Up to date Resume

Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

A document addressing the section criteria for the roles

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, quote the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

Contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 0892669000