Postdoctoral Research Associate in Epoch of Reionisation Data Analysis

About the Role: 
The successful candidate will join the Australian team analysing data from the Murchison Widefield Array to study the Epoch of Reionisation. The candidate will work with new MWA Phase 3 data, and two existing data analysis pipelines, including the ability to improve existing, and build new functionality. The candidate will lead new data analysis techniques, in addition to performing data analysis. Components of the pipelines that may be improved include RFI identification and mitigation, sky model calibration, quality assessment metrics, and direction-dependent calibration and peeling. The role will be appointed at Curtin University and reports formerly to Professor Cathryn Trott (Curtin), with project management overseen jointly by Prof. Trott and by Dr Nichole Barry at UNSW, with the incumbent residing in Perth. The candidate will spend at least 8 weeks per year in Sydney, supported by a generous travel allowance. The role will include collaborative code practices, and development of both data analysis pipelines.

Please note, our ideal candidate will be able to commence the role prior to December 31, 2026.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Operating and monitoring the MWA Epoch of Reionisation Nextflow pipeline
• Developing and applying new tools for the processing pipeline
• Developing and applying FAIR software and documentation
• Undertaking research with application to observational 21cm cosmology
• Publication of key research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Presentation of key research fundings at domestic and international conferences
• Contributing effort to both the Curtin-Hyperdrive, and UNSW-FHD processing pipelines
• Assisting with HDR and undergraduate student supervision
• Participating in CIRA's High-z group activities, including regular meetings and presentation of work
• Contribute to promoting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Who We Are Looking For - Selection Criteria:

Essential: 

1. A PhD in astronomy, or closely-related field, conferred within five years of the advertisement date.
2. An emerging track record of research publications in Q1 journals
3. Experience with low-frequency radio interferometry data
4. Strong scientific software skills (e.g., Python, C, Rust)
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills
6. Demonstrated ability to manage a research project, and report on progress
7. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse and distributed team

Desirable: 

1. Experience with Nextflow pipelines
2. Experience with 21cm cosmology data and workflows
3. Knowledge of, and experience in, FAIR coding principles, including collaborative coding practices through platforms like Github

Role Requirements: 

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. Relocation support will be considered for suitable candidates.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
• Allocated travel of at least 8 weeks per year to UNSW (Sydney) for collaborative research.