PhD & Master of Research Scholarships in Astronomical Instrumentation

PhD & Master of Research Scholarships in Astronomical Instrumentation

Australian Astronomical Optics – Macquarie University | Sydney, Australia

Every great telescope discovery begins with someone who built the instrument that made it possible. At Australian Astronomical Optics - Macquarie University (AAO-MQ), that someone is you.

AAO-MQ has been designing, building, and commissioning instruments for the world's major observatories for over 50 years. We deliver hardware to Subaru, Gemini North, and ESO's VLT.

We are seeking outstanding candidates for fully funded MRes (1 year) and PhD (3 years) scholarships commencing in 2027.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

- Science with MAVIS, the first visible adaptive optics instrument

- Advanced instrumentation: high-precision robotics for endoscopic imaging; AI-assisted design for instrumentation.

- Space technologies: novel Earth-observation payloads; space domain awareness; hyperspectral instrumentation for the 2029 Apophis flyby.

- Astrophotonics: miniature spectrograph design, OH-suppression fibres, and silicon photonics.

- Adaptive optics: PSF estimation; physical modelling of atmospheric turbulence; deep-tissue microscopy.

A current list of open PhD projects is available at: here

WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

- Facilities: multiple dedicated labs.

- Supervisors engaged in real projects.

- Observatory travel to Maunakea, Paranal, and Siding Spring.

- Full stipend and tuition waiver. International students eligible.

- International collaborators network.

DEGREE PATHWAY

MRes (1 yr) → PhD (3 yrs). Entry with Honours or equivalent Bachelor's degree. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Backgrounds in physics, engineering, optics, photonics, electronics, or applied mathematics. Intellectual curiosity and hands-on motivation matter most.