Research Associate (TeraNet - Communications Systems Academic)

Job no:516959
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Science, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

• Contribute to cutting-edge Australian space activities through this key role in the $6.3M Australian Space Agency-funded TeraNet optical ground station network project
• Level A, full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years
• Base salary range: $76,686 - $103,202 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)

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

About the team

The Astrophotonics Group at ICRAR is focused on designing, building, and testing advanced photonic systems with applications in radio astronomy, optical astronomy, and space science. The group combines research expertise from people with a broad range of backgrounds including astronomy, physics, and engineering. The group’s core technological capability is the long-distance transfer of stabilised optical-frequency signals, microwave-frequency signals, timing signals and communications signals, transmitted across optical fibre networks and free-space laser links.

Your work will contribute to the ‘TeraNet’ project, which aims to establish a three-node optical communications ground station network in Australia. This network will support multiple international space missions operating between low-earth orbit and the Moon, using both conventional optical communications standards (O3K), as well as more advanced optical technologies including deep-space (HPE) communication, ultra-high-speed coherent communications (n-QAM), quantum-secured communications, and optical positioning and timing. The TeraNet network comprises a 0.7m ground station optimised for research and development at UWA, a second 0.7m ground station to be located at the Mingenew Space Precinct (300km North of Perth), and a 0.4m mobile ground station to be commissioned at ESA’s New Norcia facility.

About the opportunity

You will undertake independent research on the communications systems to be used by the TeraNet ground station network. You will be expected to work with the project team to target this research towards the objectives and outcomes of the TeraNet project. 

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• PhD (or soon to be submitted) in an academic field relevant to the discipline
• Research experience in free-space optical communications systems, as evidenced by a series of peer-reviewed journal articles published in high quality journals
• Familiarity with optical networking, including industry standard interfaces, and digital communications appropriate for satellite communications, including industry standard formats
• Familiarity with different physical layer modulation schemes (such as OOK, DPSK, QPSK, HPE) and detection schemes (e.g., direct detection, intradyne, heterodyne)
• Familiarity with link reliability techniques including forward error correction and interleaving, and retransmission protocols such as automatic repeat request
• The ability to work independently, show initiative and work productively as part of a team

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Associate TeraNet 516959.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 .

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 Thursday, 11 April 2024.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy 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:14 Mar 2024 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:11 Apr 2024 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time