Research Associate/Fellow

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
• Perth, Western Australia
• Contract Full Time

Date posted: 17/6/2026

• Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025)
• Multidisciplinary & inclusive environment fostering innovation & collaboration
• Work-life balance options, flexible work arrangements

Job Reference Number: 1608005

The Space Domain Awareness and Planetary Defence (SDA-PD) group at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in infrasound signal processing to advance our multi-sensor atmospheric observation programme.

About the Role:

This position is an opportunity to join an active and forward-looking research team at an exciting stage of programme development.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in signal processing who are keen to apply those skills to infrasound. We have collected multi sensor data sets in support of natural fireball events, are now at the point where dedicated processing capacity will help support our future goals for space debris re-entries. In this role, you will lead the development and application of data processing workflows, working closely with existing team members across optical, infrasound and RF sensing to contribute to a genuinely multi-modal picture of atmospheric events. You will also be involved in the re-deployment of sensors within the Desert Fireball Network.

A central aspect of the role is translation and engagement. The SDA-PD programme has deliberately positioned itself to bridge the gap between research and operational utility for industry and government stakeholders. Infrasound is particularly well-suited to this as it is a mature sensing modality with established applications in nuclear test monitoring and natural hazard detection, but its potential for continuous, unattended space debris monitoring is considerably less developed. You will be expected to engage actively with our industry and agency partners and help to articulate, demonstrate, and extend the relevance of data products to non-academic audiences.

This role is ideally suited to someone who is attracted to working in a team that spans academic research and applied capability, and who sees value in connecting science outputs with real-world translation.

The successful candidate will report to Dr Eleanor Sansom, the Director of the Australian Desert Fireball Network. Dr Sansom is an experienced planetary scientist whose research focuses on meteoroid entry processes, fireball observation, and the translation of sensor data into physical characterisation of atmospheric events. She plays a key role in leading the SDA-PD programme’s integration of optical and multi-sensor data to support both scientific discovery and applied outcomes.

About the Space Domain Awareness and Planetary Defence Programme

The SDA-PD programme at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) brings together expertise in planetary science, astronomy, and sensor engineering to characterise and monitor objects that interact with Earth's atmosphere, from natural impactors to re-entering space debris. The programme operates at the intersection of fundamental science and applied capability development, with strong ties to Australian industry and international space agencies.

The programme has two principal infrastructure pillars. The Desert Fireball Network (DFN) is a continent-scale network of autonomous observatories that has been monitoring Australian skies for over a decade, recovering meteorites and characterising the orbital histories of Earth's impactors. The DFN underpins the Global Fireball Observatory (GFO), a collaboration of 17 institutions across 8 countries, and is a founding member of the Southern Hemisphere Asteroid Research Consortium (SHARC). A second, growing pillar is the Peterborough multi-sensor testbed in South Australia. This is a co-operative facility developed in partnership with Nova Systems that is integrating passive radio frequency and optical data for space object characterisation.

Looking forward, the programme is building towards a next-generation distributed observatory that fuses optical, radio, and acoustic sensor streams. The ambition is not simply to expand what already exists, but to develop techniques and validated workflows that translate directly to operational use outside astronomy, from space debris monitoring to natural object characterisation. Engagement with Australian industry partners and government agencies is a defining feature of this trajectory, as is collaboration with international partners including JAXA and national infrastructure programmes.

The team currently includes academic and professional staff, postdoctoral researchers, and a cohort of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students working across planetary science, sensor engineering, and data fusion. We are a small, focused group that values rigorous science, collaborative working, and practical impact.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and implement processing pipelines for data collected through the SDA-PD programme's sensor network, including event detection, signal characterisation, and source attribution.
• Lead or co-author peer-reviewed publications arising from this work.
• Engage with industry and government partners to develop and communicate operationally relevant data products and capability demonstrations.
• Contribute to HDR student supervision and the broader collaborative culture of the team.
• Participate in fieldwork, instrument deployment and maintenance activities as required.

Who We Are Looking For – Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. Completion of, or advanced progress towards, a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. geophysics, acoustics, planetary science, physics, or signal processing).
2. Demonstrated experience in signal processing, including signal detection, characterisation, or waveform analysis.
3. Proficiency in scientific programming (Python or equivalent) and experience working with large or heterogeneous datasets.
4. Clearly demonstrated high-level communication skills, in both oral and written form.
5. Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a research team, and a commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive working environment.
6. Demonstrated experience or interest in supervising Higher Degree by Research students.
7. Commitment to principles of equity and diversity and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Desirable:

1. Experience in High Performance Computing and software development
2. Familiarity with space domain awareness, atmospheric re-entry physics, or natural hazard monitoring.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. Relocation support will be considered for suitable candidates.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
• Ability to travel occasionally for fieldwork and instrument maintenance.

Your new Team – CIRA:

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is a multi-disciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA’s activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in astronomy and non-astronomy domains. Committed to research translation and impact (T&I), CIRA is committed to engaging with partners to share our skills, knowledge, and expertise for mutual benefit and impact beyond astronomy.

CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a key participant in the international SKA Project. CIRA is also the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) which was established in 2009, and one of the largest and most enduring academic research initiatives in Western Australia.

CIRA celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities, and abilities aligning with the selection criteria, and are committed to preserving our principles of equitable and inclusive work and study environments.

To learn more about CIRA, please visit the below websites:

www.astronomy.curtin.edu.au

www.icrar.org

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This three-year, fixed term, full-time ALA/ALB level role attracts a remuneration of $101,131 (ALA.5) - $140,147 (ALB.6) + 17% superannuation, and will contribute to ICRAR-Curtin’s T&I program by leveraging our experience in engineering sensitive sensor systems and applying advanced signal processing and data analytics to support SPA-PD.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Sunday, 19 July, 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.