Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dark Matter

Salary: Academic Level A $78,081 - $98,105 + 17% superannuation

Contract Type: 3 years’ fixed term

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our vibrant research-active community of Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing and work with Professors Darren Croton, Alan Duffy, and/or Jeremy Mould, as part of the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics (CDM), located at its Swinburne University of Technology node in Melbourne, Australia. 

As the Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will bring your research expertise to one of three priority areas of the CDM at Swinburne:

1. Computational/theoretical astrophysics: including using N-body/hydrodynamical and/or (semi-) analytical models to understand the nature of dark matter on astrophysical scales, and its impact on the evolution of the Universe and the galaxies, baryons, and structures within it.
2. Observational dark matter discovery: including using data from microlensing to explore primordial black hole dark matter, or more broadly, ground and space-based observatories that may offer a breakthrough in our understanding of the nature of dark matter.
3. Experimental dark matter direct detection: including contributing to WIMP-like nuclear recoil experiments with SABRE, axion detection efforts with ORGAN/ADMX, and/or high energy cosmic-ray based searches for identifying decay products of ultra-high mass dark matter. 

As part of your role, you will seek to bridge across to other areas of dark matter research, making connections within the CDM and Swinburne to uncover new knowledge and create opportunities for new research directions. 

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: 

• A demonstrated high level of excellence in your research area as evidenced by publications and/or technical skills and/or other relevant metrics your field ascribes value to.
• Experience generating and working with simulation data and/or observational data and/or experimental data.
• Demonstrated computational skills relevant to your field of expertise.
• Demonstrated professionalism, resourcefulness, and initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Qualifications

• A PhD in physics/astrophysics, with research interests and experience in one (or more) of computational/theoretical astrophysics, observational dark matter discovery, and experimental dark matter direct detection. 

To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria listed within the position description. 

To view the position description - please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. 

For more information about the role, please email talentacquisition@swin.edu.au 

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. 

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance. 

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments

Swinburne University of Technology actively supports and encourages individuals with disability to apply. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process by ensuring that we cater to the access and participation needs of all candidates. 

For a confidential discussion regarding accessibility requirements, or to provide feedback on how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to better accommodate adjustments you require, please reach out to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au. 

Advert information