Research Associate (Galaxy Evolution)

The International Centre of Radio Astronomy Research (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 largest astronomy institutions and one of the lead Australian organisations participating in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project. ICRAR has been further funded from 2025 to 2030 with $65 Million by the WA State Government and contributions from the Joint Venture Universities.

This position will join ICRAR’s Distant Universe group, who lead some of the world's foremost multi-wavelength galaxy evolution surveys including the Galaxy and Mass Assembly Survey (GAMA), the Deep Extragalactic VIsible Legacy Survey (DEVILS), 4MOST's Wide Area VISTA Extra-galactic Survey (WAVES). The appointee will be expected to undertake world-leading research exploring the co-evolution of galaxy structure and morphology with environment, using data from large galaxy evolution surveys such as DEVILS and GAMA, combined with high resolution imaging data from the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and Euclid, and state-of-the-art software tools such as ProFuse.  

Selection Criteria

Qualifications and / or certifications

• Completed 4 years of tertiary study or equivalent qualifications and experience and may be required to hold a relevant higher degree in academic field relevant to the discipline 
• Have a PhD in a field relevant to extragalactic astronomy

 Research   

• Demonstrated commitment in participating in high quality research evidenced by peer reviewed journal articles published in respected scholarly journals in the field of extragalactic astronomy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

 Service/ Engagement  

• Demonstrated ability to relate well to staff and students at all levels and evidence of a commitment to equity and diversity principles 
• Demonstrated ability to positively contribute to team, centre and wider University activities such as team and centre meetings, strategic planning and program development 

Position specific capabilities

• Experience with data analysis from large galaxy surveys using software such as R or Python
• Demonstrated skills in computer programming (e.g. R, Python, etc) 
• Experience in the direct analysis of astronomical observational data (in particular, at optical/NIR wavelengths)

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.