Research Academic

Fixed term, full-time opportunity until 30 June 2027
- $104,917 - $140,147 (ALA.6 - ALB.6) per annum, plus 17% superannuation
- Based at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Bentley Campus, Perth, WA

**Reference Number**:998312**

**Your new Team - Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)**
CIRA is a multi-disciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA’s activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in radio astronomy. CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a key participant in the international SKA project, and a partner with Nova Systems translating key technologies toward satellite tracking.

CIRA is also the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). Established in 2009, ICRAR is one of the largest and most enduring academic research initiatives in Western Australia. Consistent performance and impact across science, engineering, and data and computing, has earned ICRAR a place among the world’s premier multi-disciplinary astronomy research organisations.

**To learn more about CIRA, please visit the below websites**:
**About the Role**:
Your role will be to develop data processing algorithms based on radio astronomy techniques, as part of the SSA team, and assist in implementing them in the operational setting of the Curtin/Nova array. In addition, you will participate in research that seeks to combine radio SSA measurements with optical SSA measurements, to explore sensor/data fusion.

The successful applicant will work with existing team members to develop a productive program around the SSA array, including supervision of HDR students, and drawing from experience across CIRA’s engineering and astrophysics programs.

**Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria)**:
**Essential Criteria**:

- Completion of, or advanced progress towards, a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. radio astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or computer science).
- Demonstrated competency in quantitative and qualitative research skills in astronomy and astrophysics, such as experiment design, coding, data analysis, modelling, or interpretation.
- Clearly demonstrated high-level communication skills, in both oral and written form.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a research team, and a commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive working environment.
- Demonstrated experience or interest in supervising Higher Degree by Research students.
- Commitment to principles of equity and diversity and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

**Desirable Criteria**:

- Australian citizenship
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain an Australian government security clearance in the future
- Hands on experience in design or development of radio astronomy equipment.
- Experience in High Performance Computing and software development
- Signal processing and data analysis.

**Role Requirements**
- As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
- Periodic travel to site to undertake research and equipment maintenance will be required from time-to-time.

**Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace**:
At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.
Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

- Up to 17% superannuation with *possible cash out options, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
- Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days).
- Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
- Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
- Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
- On-campus medical centre
- Academic Carer Support Scheme