Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Fellow

Australian National University; Canberra; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian National University invites applications for a research-focused academic position in RSAA to advance Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics, including GLAO for Subaru and LTAO for GMT. You will design, develop, integrate and test advanced AO instrumentation, collaborating with national and international partners.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in physics, astronomy or engineering with proven expertise in AO and instrumentation, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven expertise in adaptive optics and instrumentation development, such as laser guide star adaptive optics, wavefront sensing or real-time computing.
• Strong track record of research with peer-reviewed publications and collaboration; experience with large astronomical telescopes is valued.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research and instrumentation development in Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics for GMT and Subaru Telescope projects.
• Design, develop, integrate and test advanced adaptive optics instrumentation with national and international partners.
• Publish results, supervise students and contribute to external funding opportunities.
• Collaborate across disciplines within ANU RSAA and engage with the broader research community.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Instrumentation development

Wavefront sensing

Real-time computing

Education

PhD in physics, astronomy, or engineering

Job description

Classification: Academic Level A or Level B. Salary package: $91,546 - $141,317 per annum plus 17% superannuation Term: Full-time, Fixed term (up to 3 years).

In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80.

The Position

Undertake research and instrumentation development in Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics, with a particular focus on the ULTIMATE Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system for the Subaru Telescope and the Laser Tomography Adaptive Optics (LTAO) system for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).

Contribute to the design, development, integration and testing of advanced Adaptive Optics instrumentation, working collaboratively with researchers and engineers at ANU and with national and international partners. Your activities will include independent and collaborative research, publication and dissemination of results, instrumentation development, student supervision and outreach. You will also have opportunities to contribute to the development of new research directions and external funding.

The Person

The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related discipline and demonstrated expertise relevant to adaptive optics and instrumentation development, such as Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics, wavefront sensing or real-time computing. They will also have a strong record of research demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and collaboration.

We highly value experience in the design, development, fielding or operation of adaptive optics systems on large astronomical telescopes, as well as knowledge of project management and systems engineering. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and collaborative team member, able to work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries, contribute to student supervision and engage with the broader research community.

The School

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is a world-leading centre for astronomical research and education at ANU, based at the historic Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra. RSAA conducts research spanning the breadth of astronomy and astrophysics, supported by world-class facilities, international collaborations and a strong focus on research-led education. The School has a long-standing strength in astronomical instrumentation, with the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) providing a unique environment for the design, development, manufacture, assembly, integration and testing of advanced instruments for ground-based astronomy and space science.

The AITC is a national facility established in 2006 and has developed into one of Australia's leading centres for astronomical and space instrumentation. Its multidisciplinary teams combine expertise in optics, mechanics, electronics, detectors, controls, software, astronomy and space technologies to deliver innovative instrumentation for major international observatories and space missions. The Centre also supports industry and government partnerships and provides advanced facilities for research, development, testing and training.

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Medical Research, Medicine, Physics and Psychology and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities.

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For further information please contact, Noelia Martinez Rey, ARC DECRA Fellow, E: [e-mail].

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on [e-mail].

Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.