Asteroseismology Postdoc: Shape the Stars with Data

UNSW; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW Sydney invites applications for a fixed-term role in astrophysics focused on asteroseismology. You will join Prof Dennis Stello's team in the School of Physics, contributing to solar-like oscillations research using Kepler, TESS, Gaia, and ground-based data.

The position is based in Sydney, Australia, 2-year fixed term with possible extension, full-time (35 hours/week), with mentoring of graduate students and publication in high-impact journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Astrophysics with a focus on stellar astrophysics and asteroseismology.
• Strong background in data analysis and modelling across multiple data sources.
• Record of independent research and publications in international journals.

Responsibilities

• Perform research on asteroseismology using space mission data (Kepler/K2/TESS/Roman/Gaia) and ground-based sources.
• Develop and apply software tools for analysis and merging of large multi-dimensional datasets.
• Publish research findings in leading scientific journals.
• Present at national and international conferences as required.
• Collaborate with group members and mentor graduate/Honours students.
• Align with UNSW's Code of Conduct and safety policies.

Skills

Advanced data analysis

Stellar modelling

Independent researcher

Mentoring/communication

Education

PhD in Astrophysics with focus on asteroseismology

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
  
  
  

This Job is based in Australia

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
  
  
  

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Physics is one of the leading Physics schools in Australia. It offers a world class undergraduate physics degree, as well as a postgraduate PhD research program for over 50 students. 33 academic staff conduct theoretical and experimental research in quantum physics, astrophysics, fundamental physics; and condensed matter physics. UNSW is an international leader in quantum computing research and hosts the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

This position is part of a team led by Prof Dennis Stello within the astrophysics group at UNSW-Sydney’s School of Physics. Astrophysics at UNSW currently has 11 permanent academic staff working on Exoplanets, Stellar evolution, Galactic archaeology, Galaxies, and Cosmology. Professor Stello’s team works predominantly on the asteroseismology of solar-like oscillating stars, including applications on planet-hosting stars, stellar clusters, and Galactic archaeology (https://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/~dstello/).

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years (with possible 6 month extension based on performance and funding)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
  
  
  

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Perform research on asteroseismology (particularly solar-like oscillations) in relation to data from space missions like Kepler/K2/TESS/Roman/Gaia (particularly Kepler) and ground-based sources (including Galah/APOGEE/LAMOST).
• Develop and apply software analysis tools for the analysis, and merging, of large multi-dimensional data sets (time series and single epoch).
• Publish and contribute to the publication of the research in leading scientific journals.
• Attend and present at national and international conferences as required.
• Contribute independently and collaborate with members of the research group.
• Assist with mentoring/supervision of graduate students and Honours students.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.
  
  
  

About The Successful Applicant

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in Astrophysics with a focus on stellar astrophysics and asteroseismology.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced data analysis and stellar modelling in the realm of stellar astrophysics and asteroseismology (preferably related to solar-like oscillations of red giants including red clump stars and in combining data from multiple data sources).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in leading international scientific journals.
• An excellent research track record (relative to opportunity) in the discipline area as evidenced by conference presentations and publications.
• Demonstrated experience in presenting research outcomes to audiences such as at seminars and international conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to co-supervise research students (honours, masters, or PhD). Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a research team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
  
  
  

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:

Dennis Stello

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: October 26th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

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