PhD Scholarship: Phased Array Feed Signal Processing

• Department of Physics and Astronomy
• This position is currently located at the Hawthorn campus, but the incumbent may be required to undertake duties at any of the University's campuses
• Stipend $46,000 p.a., tax free

About the Scholarship
This full-time PhD position focuses on developing a processing pipeline for multi-element phased array feeds that are used for radio astronomy, employing commodity computation on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Phased array feeds can generate numerous independent beams to observe a wide field of view and simultaneously undertake enhanced signal analysis, surpassing current digital signal processing methods. In this way, crucial tasks such as detecting and removing radio frequency interference and identifying astronomical signals (e.g., pulsars and fast radio bursts) can be undertaken in real time, despite the enormous (terabit per second) data rates involved. By employing GPUs and a software-based approach, the candidate will prototype new techniques and algorithms for integration into high-performance pipelines at radio astronomy facilities.

Overall, the Project aims to revolutionise phased array feed analysis through GPU acceleration and novel signal processing algorithms. Phased array feeds play a crucial role in astronomy and space sciences, making the potential impact of these advancements significant. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with two partner organizations, CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science, and Fourier Space Pty Ltd, to drive groundbreaking research in this field.

About you 
To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Bachelor Degree (Science or Engineering)
• Honours or Masters in astronomy, astrophysics, software engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Knowledge of software engineering techniques and familiarity with modern scientific computing
• Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description. 

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position. Your application should include the (email) contact details of two referees who are willing to provide an adademic reference upon request.

For further information about this position, contact Adam Deller at [email protected] 

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on [email protected]  

Applications Close: Friday 22nd March 2024, at 11pm. 

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Equity and Diversity 
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives.  For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For any support please contact [email protected] or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action , Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)

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