Research Associate - WAVES 4MOST

Job no:516321
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Science, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

• Two postdoctoral research-intensive opportunities
• Both positions on a fixed term 3 year appointment with possibility of extension depending on performance and funding
• Salary range: Level A Step 8 $103,202 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)

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 environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About the team

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (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.

This position will join the Evolving Universe science unit at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

About the opportunity

ICRAR currently have opportunity for two postdoctoral research associates within the 4MOST WAVES collaboration under Laureate Professor Simon Driver.

• Position 1: To lead the construction of the WAVES Galaxy Group Catalogue.  You will interface with leading numerical simulation teams to devise and fine-tune an optimal algorithm for robust group, filament and void finding and apply this to WAVES and other comparable datasets (e.g., DESI-BGS and 4HS).  Lead a science program related to galaxy groups, filaments and/or voids and their evolution based on 4MOST WAVES and associated (e.g., GAMA, DEVILS, SDSS, DESI-BGS and 4HS) data.
• Position 2: To lead the construction of the panchromatic (X-ray to Radio) database. This will involve liaising with large international survey programs such as: eROSITA; the VRO LSST; ESA Euclid; and the SKA Pathfinders (ASKAP, MWA & MeerKat), and leading the effort to combine these data into coherent spectral energy distributions to extract their key physical parameters. You will oversee the construction of the SED database and the robust and routine extraction of physical parameters (supported by a Data Engineer, PhD and Masters students). You will have a strong desire to advance a truly panchromatic X-ray to radio perspective of galaxies and AGN and lead a science program related to galaxy spectral energy distributions and their evolution.

You will become a core member of the WAVES team with full access to all 4MOST surveys and charged with leading the science exploitation around galaxy groups or galaxy SEDs (respectively).

To be considered for these roles, you will have:

• Have a PhD in a field relevant to extragalactic astronomy
• A demonstrable track-record in science publications related to galaxy groups and/or galaxy SEDs
• Experience with large galaxy catalogues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative, problem solve and work productively as part of a team
• The ability to interact and collaborate with researchers, and work reliability and effectively in distributed scientific collaborations.
• Knowledge of high- and/or low-level computer programming (e.g. Python, R, C, C++, etc)

About your application

Full details of the key responsibilities and selection criteria for both positions are outlined in the position descriptions: 

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document for each position. 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 Wednesday, 31 January 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Simon Driver 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