Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Exoplanets And Protoplanetary Disks

Academic Level A

Fixed-term position for up to 3 years

Closing date Sunday April 2nd at 11.00pm AEST (R-21645)

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About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a physicist or astronomer to join the Astrophysics group and undertake research at the University of Queensland as part of the Australian Research Council Discovery Project: The position is available for a period of 3 years.

This position is focused on direct imaging of exoplanets and protoplanetary disks. The main aim of the Discovery Project is to use data from the James Webb Space Telescope, and in particular the UQ team’s Guaranteed Time Observations with the NIRISS-AMI instrument, to image protoplanetary and debris disks at high resolution. The project also more broadly encompasses possibilities in disk simulations, optical design and data analysis, and ongoing observations with JWST and other instruments. The candidate will ideally have experience in interferometric or coronagraphic direct imaging science, Bayesian statistics and/or machine learning, and/or simulations of protoplanetary disks.

The candidate will have access to resources for travel and equipment under the ARC Discovery Project as well as existing expertise in cosmology and astrophysics at the University of Queensland. As part of the ARC Discovery Project, they would have active collaborations with members of the AMI GTO team based at the University of Sydney, the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, and the Universities of Victoria and Montréal in Canada. Our group also has active collaborations with the exoplanet group nearby at the University of Southern Queensland, as well as access to the ESO optical telescopes and Australian observing and computing facilities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate teaching, and to be involved in the wider organisation of the astrophysics group, including selection and co-supervision of PhD and honours students.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Research

Produces quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.

Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.

Work with colleagues in the development of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.

Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property.

Develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile. Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

2. Supervision and Researcher Development

Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).

Demonstrates personal effectiveness in supervision and the management of researcher development.

Effective lead and develop supervisee performance and conduct by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development.

As appropriate, manage research support staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle in accordance with University policy and procedures.

Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.

This role is subject to The University’s .

About You

A PhD (or equivalent) in astrophysics or a related area.

A proven track record of independent research in the fields of stellar and exoplanet astronomy and especially exoplanet direct imaging, interferometry, and/or simulating planet formation, as evidenced by a strong publication record relative to opportunity or by other measures such as awards and invitations to present at prominent conferences.

Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative research projects and to work as part of a team.

Demonstrated capacity to lead or participate in competitive external grant applications. 

Demonstrated ability or potential to mentor Research Higher Degree students.

Demonstrated ability or potential to establish effective relationships and to represent and promote the discipline of physics at a university and wider community level, including government and professional bodies.

An understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.

Excellent communication skills for outreach and teaching, or the willingness to develop those skills

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (100% FTE), fixed-term position for up to 3 years at an Academic Level A.

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $92,885.64 to $99,426.59 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range of $108,676.20 to $116,329.11 per annum. 

The following flexible employment options may be available for this role: some working from home; variable start or finish times. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit and review . 

Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact Dr Benjamin Pope via u.

For application queries, please contact stating the job reference number in the subject line. 

Want to Apply?  

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section (1 page)

CV (not to exceed 2 pages, excluding publications)

Statement of research interests, not to exceed three pages including figures and references

Required elements:

Summaries of two to three completed/published studies that are most relevant to advertised position (~one page)

Summary(ies) of ongoing work that is most relevant to advertised position (~one page)

Summary of proposed research that is directly relevant to advertised position (~one page)

Other Information  

Sponsorship:

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.