CTAO Commissioning/Support Scientist

Job no: 517381

Work type: Fixed term - Full-time

Campus: Adelaide

Categories: Level A, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

(Level A) $102,024 to $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Full time, Fixed term position available for 3 years with a possibility of a 2 year extension

CTAO - Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

The CTAO Commissioning/Support Scientist will play a key role in leading Australia's contributions to the commissioning of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), a major international facility under construction for high-energy gamma-ray astronomy.

The successful candidate will work closely with global partners on the construction of advanced multi-pixel camera detectors and contribute to the development of analysis software used to test and evaluate telescope performance during commissioning. The position will also require a strong commitment to developing an innovative research program in high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics, CTAO.

The role involves significant hands-on responsibilities in the construction and commissioning of astronomical hardware, as well as in the creation of data analysis pipelines. Regular travel, including extended stays (1–2 months) at remote observatory sites such as CTAO-South in Chile and at partner institutions in Europe and across Australia, is expected. The successful applicant will also be expected to co-supervise, motivate, and mentor research students, and must demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD, or equivalent higher degree awarded, or equivalent research experience in the areas of experimental astrophysics or experimental physics
• Advanced computational skills, including demonstrated ability to develop computer code for the analysis of data from physics and/or astrophysics experiments
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team
• A commitment to develop an innovative research program in high energy gamma-ray astrophysics with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory
• A willingness to co-supervise, motivate, and mentor research students

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at:

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

Learn more at:

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the '' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Tuesday 21 October 2025

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be an Adelaide University, University of Adelaide or UniSA current employee at the time the position is advertised.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Professor Gavin Rowell

E:

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.

DOWNLOAD THE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Advertised: 14 Oct :00 AM

Applications close:21 Oct :55 PM