VACANCY - Compact Array Senior Systems Scientist

Applications are invited for a position as Senior Systems Scientist: Compact Array, at AustraliaÂ’s principal radio astronomical facility, the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF).

The Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) is the premier radio interferometer for centimetre astronomy in the southern hemisphere and offers unique millimetre interferometry capabilities in the pre-ALMA era. It has an outstanding international reputation for exceptional performance and astronomical research. The array, comprised of six 22-metre diameter antennas with a maximum baseline of six km, is highly versatile and supports a wide range of observing programs, with observing bands at wavelengths from 3 mm to 20 cm. A major five-year upgrade to install a Compact Array Broadband Backend (CABB), that will increase the observing bandwidth by a factor of 16, is now close to completion.

As the Senior Systems Scientist, you will take a leading role in maximising the scientific productivity of the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), located near Narrabri, a thriving rural town 600 km north-west of Sydney, Australia. You will have a thorough understanding of radio interferometry and will develop a deep understanding of the ATCAÂ’s online and offline systems. You will help visiting astronomers make the best use of the available instrumentation, contribute significantly to the scientific specification and development of new systems, and follow projects through to commissioning and scientific use. In particular, you will have a major role in the scientific aspects of the commissioning and operations of CABB. Approximately 30 per cent of time will be available for personal astronomical or instrumental research.

The commencement annual salary is in the range of $A86K to $A115K plus superannuation. Reasonable relocation expenses are also payable. Applications close 31 July 2008. The Job Reference number is 2008/714 via www.csiro.au/careers

Added by Alison Jones on 2008-05-30