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ARC Super Science Fellowship in Astronomy - Macquarie University/Anglo-Australian Observatory

No. 26527
Position/Title: ARC Super Science Fellowship in Astronomy
Institution: Macquarie University/Anglo-Australian Observatory

Submit Resumes To:
Attention: Professor Quentin Parker

URL1: http://www.mq.edu.au/jobs/
(How to Apply)
URL2: http://www.astronomy.mq.edu.au
URL3: http://www.aao.gov.au/

Email Inquiries: quentin.parker@mq.edu.au

The closing date for receipt of applications: 07/30/2010 (Application date has passed)

Job Description:

Faculty of Science, Department of Physics & Astronomy
ARC Super Science Fellowship in Astronomy
Ref. 21328 (1 position, full-time, 3 years)

The appointee will pursue a vigorous and significant research program on planetary nebulae under the direction of Professor Quentin Parker and within the rapidly expanding Macquarie University (MQ) in Astronomy and Astrophysics group. There may be limited opportunities for teaching and the appointee is expected to participate in other academic activities within the Science Faculty. The MQ Astronomy group enjoys very close links with the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) located nearby and the AAO is a partner institute on this proposal so the appointee would be expected to spend up to 1 third of their time at the AAO.

The MQ astronomy group’s research outputs and postgraduate student numbers have undergone rapid expansion over the last 5 years with current group membership about 35 (refer www.astronomy.mq.edu.au) making it one of the largest and most active astronomy groups in Australia. The group has recently emerged as a concentration of research excellence (CORE) within the University. We have now been awarded a series of 4 Super Science Fellowships (SSFs) from the Australian Research Council under an Australian Government initiative to attract the best and brightest early-career researchers from within Australia and around the world. In 2010 we are seeking outstanding early career applicants to fill the first of these SSF allocated to the field of Planetary Nebula research where MQ has build a considerable international reputation.

Project Summary: Planetary nebulae, the extended shrouds of dying stars, are a fascinating, brief period in the life of most stars. They are unique celestial laboratories thanks to their rich emission line spectra and are amongst the most beautiful and mysterious of objects. Behind their beauty hides the mystery of how stars return carbon, one of life's essential building blocks - to interstellar space. This project will constitute the next major breakthrough in understanding these processes and addresses several significant astrophysical problems in the field via unique Australian data and instrumentation.

Intended additional outcomes from the appointment include: gaining peer-reviewed access to major facilities including the AAT, Gemini and Magellan telescopes; winning of major internal and external project grants; support for MQ's higher-degree research (HDR) student enrolment and completion rates; attracting high-quality HDR candidates in astronomy.

For SSF position applicants must have:
• A relevant doctoral degree or substantial equivalent academic experience/accreditation and standing awarded not more than 3 years before the commencement date
• A proven track record of ongoing research and publication with an emphasis on planetary nebulae
• An active research program
• The ability to attract and successfully supervise research students
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, and the community; capacity and/or demonstrated ability to attract research grants
• Australian Citizenship or a valid working visa with full work rights prior to commencing the fellowship

Appointment Type: Full-time, 3 years fixed-term. Applicants must be available to commence before 31 December 2010 subject to visa availability.

Enquiries: Professor Quentin Parker, phone +61 2 9850 891, e-mail quentin.parker@mq.edu.au

Package: From $90,145 per annum, including base salary from $76,174 to $90,297 per annum, plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading

Additional support: A further $32K per year is attached to the project under the management of the project leader Prof. Parker to facilitate project support, observing trips, conferences etc. In addition an MQRES PhD scholarship is associated with this SSF award and the appointee is expected to co-supervise this PhD student.

Applications Close: 30 July 2010. Applicants should also include a one-page statement of ways they could contribute to the intended outcomes of Macquarie’s vibrant astronomy group.

For further information regarding this appointment and to apply please visit www.jobs.mq.edu.au Please note that only those applications submitted via the Macquarie University Online Recruitment System will be accepted.

Macquarie University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity and social inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians; people with a disability; those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and women (particularly for senior and non-traditional vacancies).

Fair Work Information Statement: In accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the University is required to provide the Fair Work Information Statement to all new staff members before, or as soon as possible after, the commencement of employment.

Included Benefits:

17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading

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