COMBS Postdoctoral Researcher in Precision Spectroscopy

About the role
Applications are invited for 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, which is 1 of 8 universities contributing to the new Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) funded with AUD$35 million from the Australian Research Council.

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, like 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.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Prof. Murphy to discuss further details about the role, scientific objectives and avenues for exploration before the application deadline.

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

About CAS & COMBS
CAS at Swinburne 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 two supercomputers. COMBS aims to take the emerging photonic technology of microcombs out of the lab and into scientific areas where they have potential to revolutionise specific research fields, including astronomy. CAS leads the astrocombs research in COMBS, with two main goals: to construct new astrocombs based on microcomb technologies and use astrocombs to accurately calibrate existing and future spectrographs to enable astronomical experiments and discoveries that are not currently possible.

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.