Classification: Academic Level A or Level B
Salary package: $91,546 - $141,317 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full-time, Fixed term (up to 3 years)
Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD&PEWER_Level A and Level B_AITC_RSPhys_2026.docx.pdf
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The Position
Undertake research and instrumentation development in Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics, with a particular focus on the ULTIMATE Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system for the Subaru Telescope and the Laser Tomography Adaptive Optics (LTAO) system for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).
Contribute to the design, development, integration and testing of advanced Adaptive Optics instrumentation, working collaboratively with researchers and engineers at ANU and with national and international partners. Your activities will include independent and collaborative research, publication and dissemination of results, instrumentation development, student supervision and outreach. You will also have opportunities to contribute to the development of new research directions and external funding.
The Person
The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related discipline and demonstrated expertise relevant to adaptive optics and instrumentation development, such as Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics, wavefront sensing or real-time computing. They will also have a strong record of research demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and collaboration.
We highly value experience in the design, development, fielding or operation of adaptive optics systems on large astronomical telescopes, as well as knowledge of project management and systems engineering. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and collaborative team member, able to work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries, contribute to student supervision and engage with the broader research community.
The School
The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is a world-leading centre for astronomical research and education at ANU, based at the historic Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra. RSAA conducts research spanning the breadth of astronomy and astrophysics, supported by world-class facilities, international collaborations and a strong focus on research-led education. The School has a long-standing strength in astronomical instrumentation, with the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) providing a unique environment for the design, development, manufacture, assembly, integration and testing of advanced instruments for ground-based astronomy and space science.
The AITC is a national facility established in 2006 and has developed into one of Australia's leading centres for astronomical and space instrumentation. Its multidisciplinary teams combine expertise in optics, mechanics, electronics, detectors, controls, software, astronomy and space technologies to deliver innovative instrumentation for major international observatories and space missions. The Centre also supports industry and government partnerships and provides advanced facilities for research, development, testing and training.
The College
The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Medical Research, Medicine, Physics and Psychology and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities.
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For further information please contact, Noelia Martinez Rey, ARC DECRA Fellow, E: [contact details available in the full listing]
ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.
The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on [contact details available in the full listing]
Application information
In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:
- A statement addressing the selection criteria.
- A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
- Other documents, if required.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.
Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.
Closing date: Sunday, 22 November 2026, 11:55PM (Canberra Time)
