Research Associate - Galaxy Evolution with ALMA and JWST

Job no:516127
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Science, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)  

• Amazing opportunity for a passionate and driven researcher to join a rapidly growing research institute in Australia and contribute to the scientific exploitation of state-of-the-art surveys of high-redshift galaxies with ALMA and JWST
• Full time, fixed term 3 year appointment (start date any time from mid-2024)
• Salary range: Level A, Step 8, $103,202 p.a. plus employer contributed superannuation of 17% 

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities. With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environment, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About the team 

ICRAR is a WA State funded high profile equal joint venture established in 2009 between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The Centre’s headquarters are located at UWA, with research nodes at both UWA and Curtin. ICRAR is one of the lead Australian organisations participating in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project. ICRAR has been further funded from 2019 to 2024 with $60 Million by the WA State Government and equal contribution from the Joint Venture Universities.  ICRAR is one of the largest astronomy organisations in Australia.

About the opportunity 

As a Research Associate, you will work on multi-wavelength observations of distant galaxies, mainly from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Sub-millimetre Array (ALMA) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to understand galactic evolution from cosmic dawn to cosmic noon. This is supported by the Australian Research Council through the Discovery Project “Galaxy evolution in high definition using the world’s largest telescopes”.

Under the supervision of Principal Research Fellow, Associate Professor Elisabete da Cunha, you will join one of the most active and rapidly growing institutes in Australia and contribute to the scientific exploitation of state-of-the-art multi-wavelength surveys from ALMA and JWST.

The appointment will be for three years, and the successful candidate is expected to undertake core science for the ARC Discovery Project, as well as to pursue their own research interests in closely related topics.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• PhD in a field relevant to extragalactic astronomy
• Experience in extragalactic astronomy (e.g. galaxy evolution) research, attested by a good publication record
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, problem solve and work productively as part of a team
• Experience in analysing radio/mm interferometric data (e.g., ALMA) and/or JWST data is desirable
• Experience in spectral energy distribution and/or kinematic modelling of galaxies is desirable

We can offer flexible working arrangements to fit in with your family’s requirements or personal wellbeing.

About your application

Full details of the key responsibilities and selection criteria for both positions are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Associate (Galaxy Evolution) 516127.pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria .

Applications must also include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a statement of research interests [max. 3 pages]. They should arrange for 2-3 reference letters to be sent by the application deadline.

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Wednesday, 31 January 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact A/Prof Elisabete da Cunha at [email protected]

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Advertised:21 Dec 2023 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:31 Jan 2024 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time