Research Fellow, Melbourne Space Laboratory

Job no: 0055083
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time 1.0FTE (fixed-term until November 2026)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Physics
Salary: UOM Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Analyse infrared data from the WISE space telescope archive to identify resident space object signatures and carry photometric analysis to build a catalogue of (repeated) observations.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new research projects in the areas of space domain awareness and space telescope mission design.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

You will have a background in infrared remote sensing, preferably with experience in analysis and modelling of space telescope data for astronomical applications and/or space domain awareness. You will play a role in the investigation of novel ideas and concepts for cross-disciplinary application of astronomical spectral energy distribution modelling techniques to observations of thermal signatures of resident space objects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyse infrared data from the WISE space telescope archive to identify resident space object signatures and carry photometric analysis to build a catalogue of (repeated) observations.
• Carry out spectral energy distribution modelling of the multiband photometric dataset.
• Contribute to the conceptual design (Phase 0) of an infrared space telescope mission.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new research projects in the areas of space domain awareness and space telescope mission design.

Who We Are Looking For

You will have a solid background in analysing remote sensing data for astronomy or space domain awareness, who can independently conduct research, demonstrate excellent analytical skills, and collaborate effectively within a team while exercising sound professional judgment.

You will also have:

• Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency (including New Zealand Citizenship)
• PhD - or equivalent research track record - in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics or a related area
• Proven ability to work autonomously and part of a team, exercising sound professional judgement and seeking advice and consultation when appropriate.
• Interest to apply critical thinking on novel ideas.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – “School of Physics“

The University of Melbourne's School of Physics is one of Australia's leading Physics Schools. It has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. The School offers a wide range of physics subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and performs research in the following areas: Astrophysics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Experimental Particle Physics, Materials Science, Physical Biosciences, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Theoretical Particle Physics.

The School of Physics hosts the following ARC Centre of Excellence groups:

• ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery
• ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T)

The School also plays a major role in the Australian Synchrotron research program, and in the development of the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.

Currently some 30 academics, 51 research-only staff, more than 95 postgraduate students and 72 associates supported by 23 professional staff make up the School of Physics.  The School additionally hosts 1 Thomas Baker Chair and Melbourne Laureate Professor, 2 ARC Future Fellows and 1 ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher.  Skilled technical staff operate, maintain and develop complex instrumentation and equipment to support the teaching and research activities of the School.  The School is located in the David Caro building on the Swanston Street boundary of the University campus.  The Head of School and majority of the Professional staff are housed on the ground floor of the building to act as the first point of contact for students, staff and visitors. 

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  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.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact the email address listed at the bottom of the page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Ana Gencic via email at Faculties-TA@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 26 Oct 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Position Description: PD - 0055083 Research Fellow, Melbourne Space Laboratory - Level A.pdf