Senior Research Engineer (SKA)

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)

• Support the design, build, and testing of an optical fibre-based frequency distribution system
• Level 7, full-time appointment on a 2-year fixed term basis
• Base salary range: $92,679 – $102,830 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

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
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.

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, and microwave-frequency signals, and timing signals, transmitted across optical fibre networks and free-space laser links.

About the opportunity
Reporting to the Senior Research Fellow, you will provide support in the design, build, and test an optical fibre-based frequency distribution system tailored to meet the scientific needs and logistical challenges of the SKA; as well as develop this technology for application to other high-precision use-cases across space science and astronomy research fields. You will work in the Astrophotonics group at ICRAR and collaborate with the SKA Office and other partner organisations. This hardware development and production role includes office-based design tasks as well as laboratory-based prototyping and testing. The resultant hardware will be mass manufactured and deployed on the SKA-Mid telescope.

About you
To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in electronic engineering including low noise analogue electronic design, RF & microwave electronics design and Microprocessor / FPGA / digital system design and programming. You will also have substantial experience with EDA software, ideally Altium Designer, and with PCB technology, including materials, manufacture, assembly, testing, and quality assurance processes. In addition, you will demonstrate experience with prototyping and hand soldering including SMT components, and with PLL design and optimisation. Those with experience in optical fibre technology are encouraged to apply.

About your application
Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:  Position description - Senior Research Engineer (SKA) (510366).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.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday, 13 September 2022

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr Sascha Schediwy, Senior Research Fellow, on (08) 6488 3430 or at [email protected] . 

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

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 an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion
• We have flexible working with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered
• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities.

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:16 Aug 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:13 Sep 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time