Overview

Full time fixed term for 2 years at Camperdown Campus. Opportunity to be part of an exciting global initiative in astronomical science. Base Salary Level A $117,936 + 17% superannuation.

The University of Sydney’s School of Physics is soliciting applications for a Researcher in Astrophotonics and Astronomical Instrumentation at Astralis-USyd. This role is part of a major astrophotonics initiative launched from the University of Sydney as the lead institution in an international collaboration involving several observatory and university partners worldwide. Our group is an established world leader in astrophotonics, having pioneered instruments for photonic interferometry, nulling, wavefront sensing and spectroscopy at the world’s leading telescopes. The successful candidate will join our vibrant interdisciplinary team tackling some of the biggest challenges in observational astronomy by way of innovative technological solutions.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and build creative astrophotonic instruments and their core technologies for groundbreaking astronomical science in high-contrast and high-angular-resolution imaging.
- Implement and test novel instrument concepts based on astrophotonic technologies (including the photonic lantern and photonic integrated optics), by way of computer simulations, laboratory prototyping and on-sky testing.
- Perform detailed laboratory characterisation of astrophotonic components, including designing robust experimental procedures and analysis of data.
- Contribute to novel data analysis and/or instrument control code, leveraging advances in machine learning and real-time control.
- Fabricate robust instrumentation or photonic components for use at 8m-class and future ELT-class observatories.




- Perform lead roles in instrument development projects, including coordinating with scientists, engineers, observatories and other stakeholders to ensure optimum outcomes.
- Deliver outcomes in a timely way to meet milestones in the funded instrumentation projects.

Qualifications

- A PhD or equivalent experience in physics, optics, photonics or astronomy, or an engineering background with a focus on optical or photonic instrumentation.
- Demonstrated experience in astronomical instrumentation, or in development of optical/photonic instrumentation, or in development of technologies that underlie astrophotonic applications.
- Demonstrated skills in devising and performing optical laboratory experiments.
- Demonstrated skills in scientific / numerical programming and data analysis.
- Excellent collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- A keen, self-motivated interest in exploring novel techniques and methods to solve problems.

EEO Statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer.

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📌 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophotonics and Astronomical Instrumentation (City of Sydney)
🏢 University Of Sydney
📍 City of Sydney