Postdoctoral Research Associate in Activity on the Sun and Solar-like Stars

University of Sydney; Camperdown; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney’s School of Physics invites applications for a full-time, 3-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position located at Camperdown Campus.

You will use theory, data analysis and computation to study solar flares, CMEs and their counterparts on solar-like stars, collaborating with researchers at Sydney and abroad, and publishing in high-impact journals.

Excellent computational and Python skills, plus a PhD in physics or applied mathematics, are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or applied mathematics, or to be completed before starting.
• Excellent computational skills with large-scale computation and Python.
• Strong theory, data analysis, computational modelling and data visualization.
• Ability to conduct research under limited supervision and within a team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience handling astrophysical datasets.
• Publications in refereed journals, sole or co-author.
• Experience in research record-keeping and papers/presentations.

Responsibilities

• work closely with Professor Michael Wheatland on all aspects of the project
• perform data analysis with solar data and develop theory and computational methods for understanding and modelling flare and CME activity
• collaborate with other researchers at the University of Sydney and elsewhere, and assist students in research projects
• undertake domestic and international travel to meet the goals of the project
• publish results in high-impact journals
• communicate results at local and international meetings.

Skills

Computational skills

Python

Data analysis

Theoretical modelling

Visualization

Communication

Education

PhD in physics or applied mathematics

Job description

• Full-time 3-year fixed term position, located in the School of Physics, Camperdown Campus
• Research opportunity in solar and stellar astrophysics
• Base Salary Level A $117,936 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Postdoctoral Research Associate in Activity on the Sun and Solar-like stars will use theory, data analysis, and computation to improve our understanding of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their counterparts on solar-like stars. Flares and CMEs are the most energetic events in the solar system and are drivers for space weather events which directly affect the Earth. This project will involve developing new and improving existing methods of modelling and analysis of solar active regions, the source regions for flares and CMEs, and applying the results also to stellar flares. The work will involve collaboration with domestic and international researchers.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely with Professor Michael Wheatland on all aspects of the project
• perform data analysis with a range of solar data, and develop theory and computational methods for understanding and modelling flare and CME activity
• collaborate with other researchers at the University of Sydney and elsewhere, and assist students in research projects
• undertake domestic and international travel to meet the goals of the project
• publish results in high-impact journals
• communicate results at local and international meetings.

About you

• a PhD (or one to be completed before starting) in physics or applied mathematics
• excellent computational skills, including the ability to write compiled codes for large-scale computation, as well as codes in Python or other languages for data analysis
• demonstrated skills in theory, data analysis, computational modelling using data, and the visualization and interpretation of data and models
• demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, as well as to work effectively as a member of a team
• excellent communication (written and verbal), as well as organizational and problem solving skills with attention to detail
• experience in handling astrophysical datasets
• a history of publication in refereed journals as a sole author or in collaboration
• experience in research record-keeping and preparation of research papers and presentations.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarlôy, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close

Sunday 29 November 2026 11:59 PM