Lecturer/Associate Lecturer

About us
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. 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, and a key participant in the international Square Kilometre Array project.
CIRA deploys, operates, and maintains a variety of scientific instrumentation and equipment on CSIRO’s Murchison Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRO)—a remote site in Western Australia’s Mid-West region. The MRO is far away from the radio-frequency pollution generated by the technology that permeates all aspects of modern life. This provides ideal conditions to conduct radio astronomy but presents significant challenges to the equipment and people that must contend with the harsh environment.  

Your new role

As a lecturer at CIRA, you will be involved in our research program in the field of radio astronomy all-sky measurements and modelling, working within the Engineering Research group led by Prof David Davidson and working closely with the Astronomical Instrumentation and Epoch of Reionisation science teams. Recently, two SKA-LOW prototypes have been deployed to the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory: The Engineering Development Array Version 2.0, and the Aperture Array Verification System Version 2.0. Each comprises 256 low frequency dipole-like elements, working largely in the VHF frequency band. Along with the Murchison Widefield Array, CIRA has access to an impressive suite of low frequency radio telescopes.

The successful applicant will be expected to focus primarily on these instruments and build upon recent work out of CIRA in building all-sky images using the m-mode technique. M-mode analysis is a Fourier-like technique that allows the sky to be reconstructed in a spherical harmonic basis using data from a transit interferometer. There is also scope for an independent research component, where the candidate can develop their own research programs appropriately. They will also be expected to assist with undergraduate teaching, contribute to supervising postgraduate research students, participate in competitive grant applications, maintain strong collaborative links with international partners (in particular the SKAO), and promote industry engagement.

Why choose Curtin?

• A friendly and collaborative work environment.
• A flexible benefits package with excellent superannuation provisions, salary-packaging arrangements including childcare, and the potential to support dual-career arrangements.
• A vibrant campus with gym, childcare, wellness programs, medical and counselling services.
• Possibility of extension subject to performance and ongoing funding
• Easily accessible location with great parking, bus station and end of trip facilities

For further information on Curtin and all our employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au

Essential Criteria:

• Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., astrophysics, radio astronomy or electrical engineering).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct leading-edge research and publish high-quality papers is essential, as are excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel interstate and / or overseas.
• Hold or be able to obtain the right to work in Australia.

Applicants with expertise in spherical harmonics and/or statistical data modelling, e.g., through CMB cosmology or Galactic surveys, are also encouraged to apply, with a broad mathematical skillset being highly valued.

• Prior to appointment, the recommended applicant/s will need to have a current criminal record check in accordance with the University's National Police Certificate Assessment Procedures.

Candidates should note that Curtin University has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedures which covers all staff, students, campuses and activities, effective 21 February 2022.

If you are invited to attend the next stage of assessments, you may be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status, including your booster if eligible (or formally granted exemption) upon arrival, and if you are offered a role at Curtin, you will be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination or exemption status prior to commencing employment.

Next steps

To apply, please complete the online application form via the link below, noting we cannot accept resumes sent to the below email address.
Please provide a cover letter and resume that includes sufficient information and examples relating to the relevant selection criteria (outlined above) to allow us to assess your suitability for the role. 

Applications close: 10pm AWST, Sunday July 17th 2022.

Contact details

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of the role, please contact Associate Professor Dr Randall Wayth at [email protected].
Alternatively, call the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research Phone: (+61) 08 9266 4669

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

Curtin University has a bold vision to be one of the leading institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Curtin is now entering an exciting phase as it focuses on further building its research capacity and improving its already strong reputation for innovation in learning and teaching.

To learn more about us, please visit the below websites:

www.astronomy.curtin.edu.au
www.icrar.org
www.mwatelescope.org
www.skatelescope.org
Inclusion and Diversity 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 for 2019-2020 (Diversity Council of Australia).
• Have become one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Achieved Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation (2018-2022).
• Voted 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019).