Associate Lecturer

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is a multi-disciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. It comprises the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), a joint venture with The University of Western Australia, supported by the Western Australian State Government. 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 organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), and a key participant in the international SKA project.

The Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is seeking an Associate Lecturer to support our research and teaching programs. The research focus will be on pulsar astronomy, specifically aligned with the high time resolution science capabilities of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). The role will involve contributing to further development of the high-time resolution science capabilities of the MWA and exploiting them for sensitive searches of pulsars and related astrophysics at low frequencies.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the ongoing SMART (Southern-Sky MWA Rapid Two-meter) pulsar survey. This low-frequency southern sky survey for pulsars and fast transients exploits the MWA's unique strengths of a very large field-of-view and the voltage-capture system and has already made its first discoveries. A particular focus will be accelerating the data processing and analysis to enable sensitive searches for binary and millisecond pulsars and exploiting them for wide-ranging science by undertaking prompt follow-ups with other large telescopes.

The successful applicant will work closely with project leader Dr Ramesh Bhat and members of the Curtin pulsar group, as well as with the members of the MWA and SMART collaborations based in Australia and overseas. They will also be expected to contribute toward student supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and engage in appropriate teaching and service-related activities both within CIRA and the broader University.

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of the role please contact Senior Research Fellow, Dr Ramesh Bhat at Ramesh.Bhat@curtin.edu.au 

Alternatively, call the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research Phone: (+61) 08 9266 4669

www.astronomy.curtin.edu.au

www.icrar.org

www.mwatelescope.org

https://www.skao.int/

Curtin University offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, a friendly and collaborative work environment, generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, generous superannuation, and salary-packaging. Our vibrant campus also includes an art gallery, gym, childcare, medical centre, and endless food options.

For more information on our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au 

Your application should include a cover letter, your CV and separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.

• Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., radio astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or computer science).
• An excellent track record relative to opportunity.
• A demonstrated record of interpreting pulsar data and leading high-quality scientific publications.
• Ability to or interest in supervising Higher Degree by Research students.
• Interest in or experience in undergraduate teaching.
• Commitment to principles of equity and diversity and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

• Previous experience in high time resolution radio astronomy and radio interferometry.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of tools to facilitate pulsar or high time resolution radio astrophysics.
• Potential to attract nationally competitive grant funding.

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and reference checks. Please note that this position may be subject to a WA state government vaccination mandate. If requested, you will be required to provide evidence of your vaccination status prior to employment.

*Please note that our offices are closed from COB Friday 16th December with our team returning Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

If you have any queries in relation to this application process after this time, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1).

We reserve the right to engage with recruitment agencies/search firms to support our recruitment in some instances – unsolicited contact is not welcomed.