Research Associate/Fellow

Curtin University; Canning; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Parental leave (26 weeks primary / 3-4

Public Holidays (12/year)

Flexible work arrangements

On-campus medical centre

Staff diversity and inclusion programs

Academic career support and networking

Job summary

Curtin University invites applications for a Research Fellow to join the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA). You will work with Professor James Miller-Jones on high-angular-resolution radio astronomy and jet physics, developing novel techniques for modelling interferometry data from rapidly evolving X-ray binary jets.

The role emphasizes publishing, funding applications, presenting findings, and supervising students within a collaborative environment at Curtin's Bentley campus.

Qualifications

• A doctoral qualification in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, statistics or computer science.
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with time-domain astrophysics and jets from X-ray binaries is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to high-quality research outputs and publications.
• Assist in applications for competitive research funding.
• Present findings through seminars, workshops and conferences.
• Contribute to supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Undertake research-related administrative activities and engage with Curtin’s community.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/physics

Tools

Radio interferometry data (VLBI)

Job description

Job Reference:1424374

About the Role:

As a Research Fellow, you will join Professor James Miller-Jones and the CIRA research group, contributing to research focused on high-angular-resolution radio astronomy and jet physics. The group studies accreting compact objects, including X-ray binaries and tidal disruption events, to better understand how these systems launch outflows in the form of relativistic jets.

You will work alongside existing team members to apply and further develop novel techniques for modelling high-angular-resolution radio interferometry data from rapidly evolving sources, including X-ray binary jets.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your research profile within a highly collaborative environment while contributing to research at the forefront of radio astronomy and astrophysics.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to high-quality research outputs and publications.
• Participating in applications for competitive research funding.
• Presenting and disseminating research findings through seminars, workshops and conferences.
• Contributing to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students.
• Undertaking research-related administrative activities.
• Contributing to academic service, engagement and activities across CIRA and the broader University.

Who We Are Looking For - Selection Criteria:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (or with no more than :6 months until completion at the time of interview), such as astronomy, astrophysics, physics, statistics or computer science.
• Demonstrated knowledge in a relevant discipline and experience with appropriate research techniques.
• Experience undertaking qualitative and quantitative research tasks.
• An emerging research track record and demonstrated potential to undertake high-quality research and contribute productively within research teams.
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting a collegial and inclusive working environment and working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with time-domain astrophysics, particularly jets from X‑ray binary systems.

Desirable:

• Experience working with radio interferometry data, particularly very long baseline interferometry.
• Experience or skills in statistical modelling and Bayesian inference.
• Familiarity with X‑ray binaries, astronomical jets or time-domain astrophysics.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Your new Team - The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA):

CIRAis a multidisciplinary research institute bringing together researchers and professional staff from science, engineering and computing to tackle complex challenges in radio astronomy. CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and a key participant in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.

CIRA’s research spans a diverse range of projects involving and motivated by radio astronomy, providing an exciting and collaborative environment for researchers seeking to contribute to internationally significant astrophysics research.

To learn more about the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy and its research, visit:

• www.astronomy.curtin.edu.au
• www.icrar.org
• www.mwatelescope.org
• www.skao.int

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 more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender‑diverse people 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.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non‑primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; 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 and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/

About Curtin University

Curtin proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

— This three-yearfixed term, full-time ALA/ALB level role attracts a remuneration of $104,165 - $144,352 (ALA.5 - ALB.6) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [e-mail] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 8pm (AWST), Monday, 16 November 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.