• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 1 years
• Base salary range: Level C: $132,381 - $152,279 p.a. plus 17% superannuation
• Salary subject to 5% increase effective 1 July 2024

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

ICRAR is a WA State funded high profile equal joint venture established in 2009 between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The Centre’s headquarters are located at UWA, with research nodes at both UWA and Curtin. ICRAR is one of the lead Australian organisations participating in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project and is one of the largest astronomy organisations in Australia.

The Astrophotonics Group at ICRAR is focused on designing, building, and testing advanced photonic systems with applications in radio astronomy, optical astronomy, and space science. The group combines research expertise from people with a broad range of backgrounds including astronomy, physics, and engineering. The group’s core technological capability is the long-distance transfer of stabilised optical-frequency signals, microwave-frequency signals, timing signals and communications signals, transmitted across optical fibre networks and free-space laser links.

Your work will contribute to a number of Astrophotonics free-space laser links projects including the ARC Mid Career Industry Fellowship project, the TeraNet Optical Ground Station project, the DTSG Next-Generation Technologies Fund (NGTF) project, and other related projects.

About the opportunity

As the appointee you will, under broad direction undertake research relating to all aspects of the Astrophotonics research group. This includes contributing towards radio astronomy instrumentation, terrestrial laser links, space laser links, and quantum technologies. You will be expected to work with the Principal Research Fellow to mentor other Astrophotonics staff and supervise Masters and PhD students. You will be responsible for reporting, documentation, and leadership of research activities with the Astrophotonics research group.

 To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• PhD in an academic field relevant to the discipline or other appropriate higher professional qualifications
• Experience in several of the following technical areas:
• radio astronomy instrumentation
• free-space optics, optical fibre coupling, and optical system design
• experimental frequency or quantum metrology
• classical and coherent optical communications systems
• quantum technologies and quantum communications
• Experience with supervision of junior research staff
• Experience with supervision of Masters and PhD students
• Experience with systems engineering processes and documentation
• Demonstrable experience of leading public engagement activities that promote research and/or education outcomes, government and industry
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to staff and students at all levels and evidence of a commitment to equity and diversity principles

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:  PD - Senior Research Fellow (Astrophotonics) (517734).pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 14 July 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Sascha Schediwy at sascha.schediwy@uwa.edu.au  

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at talent-hr@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.