ANU - Current Vacancies at The Australian National University

SkyMapper Postdoctoral/Research Fellow (A426-09TG)

Mount Stromlo Observatory, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, ANU College of Physical Sciences

The Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) of the Australian National University is seeking to appoint SkyMapper Postdoctoral Fellows/Research Fellows.
Location	Mount Stromlo Observatory
Term of Contract	Fixed Term of 5 Years
Grade	Level A/B
Salary Package	$53,935 - $84,786 pa plus 17% superannuation View Academic Salary Information...
Closing Date	4 December 2009
Position Overview	The Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) of the Australian National University in Canberra is seeking to appoint up to four researchers to work on scientific problems related to the photometric and transient surveys of the new SkyMapper telescope. These positions are funded as part of Prof. Brian Schmidt’s Australian Research Council’s Laureate Fellowship. Depending on the qualifications of the candidate, these positions will be offered as fixed-term appointments of 3 or 5 years, and at a level of Postdoctoral fellow, or Research fellow, having a minimum starting salary of AU$68,413 (approx US$59,000) and AU$74,447 (approx US$64,000), respectively. Relocation expenses of the successful candidates will be paid. The appointees are expected to pursue a vigorous, full time, self-directed research program in an area relevant to the SkyMapper telescope, and will be expected to help to contribute to the success of the SkyMapper telescope operations and its corresponding surveys. People with skills in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply. • Large scale photometric surveys • Optical and or radio transient detection • Observational, theoretical, or cosmological studies of supernovae, gamma ray bursts, and other transient objects. • Stellar, Galactic, or Extra-Galactic studies of objects using large photometric datasets. Successful candidates will have access to the SkyMapper 1.3m survey telescope and its corresponding survey datasets, the well-instrumented 2.3m telescope, which is equipped with a new, high-efficiency optical integral field spectrograph (WiFeS), the world-class ANU super-computing facilities, and to Australia’s other national radio and optical/IR facilities. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to co-supervise graduate students and to apply for additional research funding through the competitive grant schemes of the Australian Research Council. We particularly encourage applications from women and minority groups. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Brian Schmidt for additional information before applying. Enquiries: Professor Brian Schmidt, T: 02 6125 8042, E: Brian@mso.anu.edu.au
Additional Information	PEWR_Position_19668.pdf PEWR_postition_19697.pdf
Position description
Responsible to	Laureate Fellow, Professor Brian Schmidt
Role statement	Postdoctoral Fellow, Academic Level A PURPOSE STATEMENT: The SkyMapper Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to pursue a vigorous research program in astronomy and astrophysics in an area related to the SkyMapper telescope and its surveys. This work should result in high quality publications in refereed journals, thereby contributing positively to the research environment of the School. The Postdoctoral Fellow is also expected to contribute to the overall successful operation of the SkyMapper Telescope and its Survey programs. Position Dimension & Relationships: The SkyMapper Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to engage in their own research programs both independently and in collaboration with Prof. Brian Schmidt, and other ANU academics and students. The SkyMapper Postdoctoral Fellow will communicate their research results formally and informally within the School and will be expected to interact with the wider Australian astronomy community through visits, seminar presentations and participation in local conferences and workshops. Role Statement: 1. The conduct of research both independently and as a member of the SkyMapper team, and the production of refereed and conference publications from that research. 2. Working with the SkyMapper team to help enable the successful operation of the SkyMapper telescopes and its surveys. 3. Involvement in professional activities including, attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of the staff member's research expertise. 4. Co-supervision or supervision, of undergraduate, honours and post-graduate research student projects within the field of the staff member's research expertise. 5. Involvement, at an appropriate level, in the administrative functions of the School such as attendance at faculty meetings and membership of a limited number of committees. 6. Other duties as required consistent with a level A academic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Postdoctoral Fellow, Academic Level B PURPOSE STATEMENT: The SkyMapper Research Fellow will be expected to pursue a vigorous self-directed research program in astronomy and astrophysics in an area related to the SkyMapper telescope and its surveys. This work should result in high quality publications in refereed journals, thereby contributing positively to the research environment of the School. The Fellow is also expected to contribute to the overall successful operation of the SkyMapper Telescope and its Survey programs. Position Dimension & Relationships: The SkyMapper Fellow will be free to engage in their own research programs both independently and in collaboration with Prof. Brian Schmidt, and other ANU academics and students. The SkyMapper Fellow will communicate their research results formally and informally within the School and will be expected to interact with the wider Australian astronomy community through visits, seminar presentations and participation in local conferences and workshops. Role Statement: 1. The conduct of research both independently and as a member of the SkyMapper team, and the production of refereed and conference publications from that research. 2. Involvement in professional activities including attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of the staff member's research expertise. 3. Co-supervision or supervision, of honours and post-graduate research student projects within the field of the staff member's research expertise. 4. Involvement, at an appropriate level, in submitting applications to competitive funding programs, such as the ARC Discovery Projects program, that have the potential to increase the resources available for the staff member’s research program and the School as a whole. 5. Occasional contributions to the teaching program of the School within the field of the staff member's research expertise. 6. Involvement, at an appropriate level, in the administrative functions of the School such as attendance at faculty meetings and membership of a limited number of committees. 7. Other duties as required consistent with a level B academic.
Selection criteria
	Postdoctoral Fellow, Academic Level A SELECTION CRITERIA: A. Qualifications 1. PhD (or equivalent qualification) in astronomy, astrophysics or a closely related field. 2. Record of independent research achievement in astronomy or astrophysics in an area relevant to the SkyMapper program. B. Experience 1. Demonstrated ability to conduct an independent research program that is relevant to the Skymapper telescope and its surveys. 2. Demonstrated ability to contribute to the success of the SkyMapper Telescope and its associated surveys. 3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both individually and in collaboration with colleagues, whilst maintaining effective relations in the work place environment. C. Attributes 1. Ability to provide effective leadership in their field of expertise. 2. Willingness to work in scientific areas relevant to the SkyMapper telescope and its associated surveys 3. Willingness to undertake appropriate School-wide duties as required. 4. Well developed verbal and written communication skills. 5. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Fellow, Academic Level B SELECTION CRITERIA: A. Qualifications 1. PhD (or equivalent qualification) in astronomy, astrophysics or a closely related field. 2. Excellent record of well-cited publications and independent research achievement of a high international standard in astronomy, astrophysics or a closely related field. B. Experience 1. Demonstrated ability to conduct an independent research program that is highly regarded in an international context. 2. Demonstrated ability to contribute to the success of the SkyMapper Telescope and its associated surveys 3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both individually and in collaboration with colleagues, whilst maintaining effective relations in the work place environment. C. Attributes 1. Ability to provide effective leadership in their field of expertise. 2. Willingness to contribute to the research training programs of the School. 3. Willingness to work in scientific areas relevant to the SkyMapper telescope and its associated surveys. 4. Willingness to undertake appropriate School-wide duties as required. 5. Well developed verbal and written communication skills. 6. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.

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