COMBS Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrocombs
Prime opportunity to join the ARC Centre of Excellence
Fulltime or part-time, 3-year fixed term position at our Hawthorn campus
Academic Level A salary + 17% super
About the Role
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) is seeking a dedicated researcher to conduct original research on characterising and calibrating astronomical spectrographs using astrocombs. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Michael Murphy in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) at Swinburne University of Technology. The role is to lead investigations into the optimal use of various comb light sources, such as laser frequency combs, to enable groundbreaking scientific measurements, including the direct measurement of the universe's expansion through redshift drift observations of distant quasars.
Candidates should have experience in modelling, simulating and/or detailed use of high-resolution astronomical spectrographs, especially echelle spectrographs, along with a solid understanding of techniques for extracting spectra from astronomical detectors. Familiarity with wavelength calibration methods is a plus.
The appointee will be expected to publish research findings in international refereed journals, present at conferences, and mentor students at various academic levels, including co-supervising undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Prof. Murphy for more details about the role, scientific objectives and avenues for exploration before the application deadline. This position is an Academic Level A6–8 (AUD$98,105–105,153) plus 17% superannuation.
Swinburne recognises the importance of providing career development and offers promotion opportunities for fixed-term staff.
About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have the following qualities:
- A strong record, relative to opportunity, of research achievement and timely, high-quality publication and presentations
- Demonstrated evidence of self-directed research ability
- Independent and collaborative research skills
Preferred (but not essential) qualities:
- Experience in spectroscopy, particularly optical, high-resolution spectroscopy
- Scientific computing proficiency, including custom coding experience
Qualifications
A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, photonics, optical instrumentation or a closely related field and/or equivalent relevant experience is required to undertake this role. Applicants must have submitted their PhD thesis for examination before commencing this role and expect to obtain their PhD shortly thereafter.
About the ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
Optical frequency combs hold remarkable promise for reshaping the realms of precision measurements, high-speed communication, sensing, and astronomical discovery. Recent advances in nanofabrication make it possible to miniaturise bulky optical and electronic systems onto microchips, thus streamlining the production and reducing costs. This emerging microcomb technology holds the key to unlocking the full potential of optical frequency combs. By joining COMBS, you will play an important role in developing these microcomb technologies to transform science and society.
COMBS is a large dynamic, diverse and inclusive community that spans across Australia and beyond. As a member of COMBS, you will have the opportunity to work with other COMBS scientists within the eight Australian Universities network, take advantage of internships with industry and our many international partners in Europe, Asia and the US. There will be many opportunities for learning through workshops, technology translation and entrepreneurship bootcamps, and access to top photonics scientists. COMBS values equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, and we recognise the importance of intersectionality. We are committed to creating an environment that embraces and harnesses these intersections to do the best science we can. We invite you to join us to become part of the diverse and inclusive COMBS community.
About the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS)
CAS is one of Australia's largest astronomy research centres, with 25 academic staff, 22 postdoctoral researchers and 45 PhD students. Swinburne is a partner of the W.M. Keck Observatory, two other ARC Centres of Excellence – OzGrav, which is hosted in CAS, and Dark Matter Particle Physics – and houses the OzStar and Ngarrgu Tindebeek supercomputers.
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. CAS is located in the diverse inner suburb of Hawthorn with excellent public transport connections.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:
- Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
- Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
- Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
- Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice
The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.
To Apply
Applications must be submitted online via Swinburne’s Jobs website. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.
If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website.
To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Applications must include the following:
- A cover letter that includes brief, direct responses to the selection criteria (2 pages max.)
- A curriculum vitae, including publication list (preferably describing contributions to any non-lead-author publications), and names and contact details of 3 referees who we can contact if you are shortlisted for interview;
- A statement describing prior research achievements and future research interests (2 pages max.; general astronomy audience).
For more information about the role, please contact Prof. Murphy (mmurphy@swin.edu.au).
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.
Applications Close: Thursday 5th December 2024, 11pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne University of Technology is dedicated to creating a varied, welcoming, and open learning and work environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion, ensures fair access to opportunities, and actively opposes bullying, discrimination, sexual harm, victimisation, and vilification. We appreciate every individual in our community, regardless of ability/disability, age, cultural and ethnic background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and family and relationship status. For further details on our efforts, please explore our Equity & Diversity website.
Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
Swinburne University of Technology actively supports and encourages individuals with disability to apply. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process by ensuring that we cater to the access and participation needs of all candidates.
For a confidential discussion regarding accessibility requirements, or to provide feedback on how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to better accommodate adjustments you require, please reach out to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.
Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) at Swinburne
Swinburne is enhancing gender equity and diversity, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), by participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program.
Swinburne University is actively engaged in improving representation and participation of women in STEMM fields, aiming to address ongoing gender inequity. As an inaugural recipient of the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, we have implemented our original SAGE Action Plan (2019-2021) and continue our commitment through the current SAGE Action Plan (2022-2025), focusing on meaningful actions to foster long-lasting change and advance gender equity and diversity in STEMM.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For any support please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan.
Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
We are a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
