Position Details
Bolton Fellowship - Wide-field Radio Astronomy
Advertised Job Title:
Bolton Fellowship - Wide-field Radio Astronomy
Reference Number:
3521
Classification:
CSOF4
Salary Range:
AU$81k to AU$88k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Perth, Western Australia
Indefinite OR
Tenure:
Relocation assistance:
Specified Term of 36 months
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to:

Functional Area:
Research Scientist/Engineer - Postdoc
Reports to the:
Research Scientist
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Role Overview:
The Bolton Fellowship is designed to help early career scientists establish their research careers by
undertaking independent research and/or development projects in areas relevant to the Australia
Telescope National Facility (ATNF) observational capabilities.
CASS is currently commissioning the 36-dish Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) in
Western Australia. ASKAP will be the world’s fastest and most data intensive radio telescope array for
making wide-field surveys of the sky between 0.7 GHz and 1.8 GHz. Recognising the strategic
opportunity provided by these emerging wide-field capabilities, this Bolton Fellowship is targeted
towards scientific expertise in wide-field radio astronomy.
The Bolton Fellow will deliver world-class science outcomes in their own fields of research through
making a substantial contribution to the scientific commissioning and verification of ASKAP, and will
actively participate in both the planning and execution of those activities. This Fellowship will position
the successful candidate to be one of a handful of world leaders in wide-field survey astronomy.
The successful candidate will have deep knowledge and understanding of radio astronomy techniques,
and the ability to bring those to bear on complex scientific problems.
The Bolton Fellow will be based at the CASS office in Perth, Western Australia and is expected to work
closely with CASS staff in Sydney.
The Bolton Fellowship is a three-year appointment and comes with a generous discretionary research
allowance, assistance with relocation and other benefits.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Pursue independent research activities in radio astrophysics.

Communicate research results to the scientific community in the form of high quality scientific
publications and conference presentations.

Contribute to the scientific commissioning and Early Science program of ASKAP.

Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the business unit and across CSIRO.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
Pre-Requisites:
1. Education/Qualifications: A PhD (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in astronomy,
physics, or a related field.
Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years of relevant postdoctoral
experience.
Essential Criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Expertise in wide-field radio astronomy techniques and science.
Ability to contribute to the scientific commissioning and verification of ASKAP.
A competitive track record of research achievement (relative to opportunity).
Evidence of good communication skills, both written and oral, including an ability and commitment
to publish and present results of scientific research.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team and to motivate others.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:
 Integrity of Excellent Science
 Trust & Respect
 Creative Spirit
 Delivering on Commitments
 Health, Safety & Sustainability
To be appointed as a Postdoctoral Fellow within CSIRO, candidates are required to have submitted their
PhD at the time of commencement, as a minimum requirement, if PhD conferment has not been obtained.
If a candidate has submitted, but their PhD has not yet been formally attained, the starting salary will be
CSOF4-1 ($78,479). Upon CSIRO receiving written confirmation that the PhD has been awarded (within a
six month period from commencement date), the salary will be increased to the negotiated level and the
difference will be back-paid to the Officer’s start date.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. Applications should consist of a Curriculum
Vitae (including full list of publications), 3 page research proposal outlining your future research
directions, and a brief statement addressing the selection criteria. Applicants who do not provide all
relevant information may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: Names and contact details for three professional referees should be included within your CV.
Contact: If you require further information please contact:
Dr Jill Rathborne via email: Jill.Rathborne@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 9372 4651.
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Rathborne. Applications received via this method will
not be considered.
About CASS
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) operates ATNF, Australia's premier radio astronomical
facility. The ATNF is composed of the 36-dish Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), the
Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), the Parkes 64-m telescope, and the Long Baseline Array
(LBA). These facilities provide opportunities for world-class radio astrophysics in the frequency range of
0.3-105 GHz. CASS headquarters are located in Sydney, Australia.
The CASS office in Perth is within the modern Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC), which is
located six kilometres south of Perth city, and close to Curtin University. Perth is Australia’s fourth
largest city with a population of around 1.6 million, and has the full range of social amenities,
infrastructure and services expected of a modern State capital. Perth ranks high in listings of most
desirable cities. The Perth astronomical community is large and vibrant, consisting of researchers from
Curtin University, the University of Western Australia, and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy
Research (ICRAR).
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills
for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and
communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.