• 12 month, fixed term contract
• $71,230 - $89,638 (ALA) plus 9.5% superannuation
• Extensive learning and development available

Job Reference: 515321

Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2018 and QS World University Rankings 2019), and is placed 20th in the world for universities less than 50 years old (QS Top 50 Under 50 2019). Curtin is WA’s most preferred university, with highly engaged industry-facing partners. It is a major global player, with well-integrated campuses in Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius and Dubai.

School of Earth and Planetary Sciences

The School of Earth and Planetary Sciences provides world-class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers through our industry-recognised teaching programs, and undertake fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system.

Our teaching and research is highly rated in global rankings (5th in Australia and 40th in the world for Earth and Marine Science – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, 3rd in Australia and 49th in the world for Earth Sciences – 2019 ARWU Subject Ranking).

In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 assessment, Curtin was ranked well above world standard in geology and geochemistry, above world standard in oceanography and in physical geology and environmental geoscience, and at world standard in geomatic engineering and geophysics.

Your new role

We have an excellent opportunity available for a postdoctoral researcher. This one-year Curtin-led FrontierSI project comprises a scoping study and ‘gap’ analysis to determine the requirements and challenges for establishing a model of the vertical separation between a defined global, Earth-centred reference frame and local maritime chart datums (CDs). This proposed model is referred to as AusHydroid and would allow GNSS-observed ellipsoidal water level heights related to the GRS80 ellipsoid (used by the Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020)) to be transformed into local chart heights which comprise the National Chart Datum. The development of AusHydroid will facilitate maritime navigation, coastal and offshore exploration and construction, in addition to coastal planning and warnings related to sea level.  The project brings together and tests the various data sets, datums and reference frames for their suitability to be included in the AusHydroid model. This project is a collaboration between the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) a division of the Department of Defence, Curtin University (Curtin), Geoscience Australia (GA), the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), WA Department of Transport (DoT) and FrontierSI, working under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Committee on Survey and Mapping (ICSM) through the AusHydroid Working Group (ICSM-WG; http://www.icsm.gov.au/what-we-do/aushydroid).

What you will bring to the role

This position requires a postdoctoral researcher with experience in physical oceanography, and knowledge of geodetic datums and reference frames that can be applied to analyse coastal and ocean data. The objective of this research is to set out methodology for the development of AusHydroid, identifying the existing data sets to be used, additional data to be observed, and how these can be combined. You will work under the direction of the project leader, located at Curtin University, but collaborating with, and supported by experienced researchers from the AHO, BOM, GA, and the WADoT. This will require cross disciplinary work combining physical oceanography, and geodesy.

Responsibilities include

• Conduct experiments and analysis and prepare written reports to meet the tasks and deliverables as set out in the project.
• Collaborate and liaise with a multidisciplinary team including oceanographers and geodesists and other stakeholders.
• Write and adapt software to analyse existing ocean, bathymetric, and geodetic datasets to experiment with methods to combine these data.
• Support the project leader to formulate a clear set of technical recommendations leading to the design of and procedure for computing AusHydroid.
• Write manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Other duties as necessary for the successful completion of the project

Minimum requirements

• Expertise and experience in Matlab, and at least one of the following programming languages FORTRAN, C, C++, PYTHON, and/or CSH
• A PhD in physical oceanography, or geodesy, and cross disciplinary knowledge in both.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills to engage with team members and write high quality reports.

What we offer you

• Agile and flexible working environment with great work life balance
• The opportunity to grow, develop and diversify your own skill set
• Extensive learning and development available

For further information on Curtin’s employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au/jobs/

Next steps

Curtin University requires you to provide a cover letter, resume and selection criteria outlining your suitability to the role under the “minimum requirements” section of the advert and the criteria outlined in the attached academic role statement.  

To view a copy of the role’s Academic Role Statement, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/sender/?s=download&token=6a68dd32-c965-4fda-8c86-9ab2b4e32cb6

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion

At Curtin, we are committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation, diversity and social justice and aim to create an inclusive environment where our staff and students are valued and inspired. This includes a supportive recruitment process should you require any access assistance.  

Contact details

To apply complete the application form below, or for more information contact:

Natalie Munro – Talent Acquisition Consultant
Natalie.munro1@curtin.edu.au
08 9266 2280

Please apply via the attached link, we cannot accept resumes sent to the above contact

Applications close:  Monday 17 August, 10:00 PM (AWST)

Disclaimer

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