Three-year fixed term, full time opportunity *$97,711 - $108,683 (ALA5-8) per annum, plus 17% superannuation Based at the Bentley Campus, Perth, Western Australia Reference Number: 1005524 *Please note, as per Curtin’s 2022-2025 EBA, a 3.5% salary increase will take effect on 20 June 2025. About the Role: The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is seeking a Research Associate in the field of fast radio bursts (FRBs) as part of the Commensal Real-time ASKAP Fast Transients (CRAFT) survey with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). The position is available from July 2025 for a duration of three years. The successful candidate will work with project leader A/Prof Clancy James and other members of the CRAFT Collaboration to detect, analyse, and interpret data on FRBs. We encourage excellent candidates interested in any aspect of FRB science to apply, in particular: Working with our newly commissioned coherent FRB detection system (CRACO) on ASKAP, which has also detected Galactic sources such as long-period transients and RRATs. Utilising our offline processing pipeline, CELEBI, on the Swinburne supercomputer to localise FRBs and correlate their properties with host galaxies. Using FRBs to investigate cosmological gas distribution and population properties through simulations and the zDM code. Conducting follow-up observations of FRBs and their host galaxies across optical, radio, and other wavelengths. You will also work closely with members of the F4 (Fast and Fortunate FRB Follow-up) Collaboration regarding FRB host galaxies, within the Square Kilometre Array Transients Science Working Group, and with A/Prof Natasha Hurley-Walker on the study of Galactic transients. Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Collaborate with other members of the CRAFT Collaboration, both nationally and internationally Contribute to CRAFT through software development Perform detailed analyses of fast radio bursts, in terms of their host galaxies, high-time-resolution properties, and/or their dispersion measure budget Attend relevant workshops and conferences, including CRAFT busy-weeks Publish papers in refereed scientific journals Participate in applications for competitive funding Supervise undergraduate and co-supervise higher degree by research students Contribute to an inclusive workplace environment that promotes the happiness and wellbeing of CIRA employees, as per Curtin University’s Code of Conduct Who we are looking for – Selection Criteria: Essential Criteria: A doctoral qualification (or near completion) in astronomy/astrophysics Demonstrated knowledge in at least one of radio astronomy, cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, and/or signal processing Demonstrated competency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research Emerging research track record/potential to conduct quality research and contribute productively to research teams under supervision. Demonstrated high level organisational skills. Clearly demonstrated high-level communication skills, in both oral and written form. Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a research team, and a commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive working environment. Demonstrated experience or interest in supervising Higher Degree by Research students. Commitment to principles of equity and diversity and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. Role Requirements: As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction Your new Team – CIRA: CIRA is located in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and the traditional home of the Noongar people. We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and enjoy an equitable, diverse, tolerant, and friendly work culture. A/Prof Clancy W. James is the lead of The Nearby Universe Science program at the Curtin node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, which funds this position. The Researcher will join this growing research group at CIRA, contributing to and helping to direct its research activities, and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students. CIRA is a multi-disciplinary research institute hosting over 100 staff and students engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA’s activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in radio astronomy. CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA; www.mwatelescope.org), half of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), one of four partners in the Australian SKA Regional Centre Joint Venture, and a key participant in the international SKA project (www.skao.int). CIRA researchers maintain excellent linkages with a range of national and international groups and have partner access to the $90M Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. CIRA celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities, and abilities meeting the requirements outlined in this role, and are committed to preserving our principles of equitable and inclusive work and study environments. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines. As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically. Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to: Up to 17% superannuation with *possible cash out options, plus a variety of salary packaging options. Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days) Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9). Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students) Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions On-campus medical centre Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better. To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/ About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/ What We Offer You: Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/ Join Us! If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: Up to date Resume Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above) If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address. Applications close: Sunday, 29 June 2025 - Australian Western Standard Time (UT8) Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted. Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.