Research Fellow – Department of Physics | Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao – fixed term – 26 months

Short Summary

Research Fellow – Department of Physics | Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao – fixed term – 26 months with University of Auckland. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity The Department of Physics is seeking a Research Fellow to lead the operational research programme at Taiaho Observatory, the University of Auckland’s free-space optical communications ground station at Ardmore Field Station. Taiaho Observatory combines a fast-tracking…

Key Details

• Position / opportunity: Research Fellow – Department of Physics | Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao – fixed term – 26 months
• Organization: University of Auckland
• Country / coverage: New Zealand
• Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
• Work arrangement: On-site
• Opportunity type: Jobs
• Sector: Education
• Compensation: Not specified
• Duration: Not specified
• Start date: 2026-09-08
• Application deadline: Not specified

Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity The Department of Physics is seeking a Research Fellow to lead the operational research programme at Taiaho Observatory, the University of Auckland’s free-space optical communications ground station at Ardmore Field Station. Taiaho Observatory combines a fast-tracking 30-centimetre DLR telescope with the DLR Simple Optical Ground Station Focaloptics Assembly, together with supporting control, environmental-monitoring and data-acquisition systems. It has been developed to acquire and track satellites and receive laser-based communications from space. The immediate priority for this position is to maximise the number and scientific value of satellite optical downlink opportunities undertaken from Taiaho. The successful candidate will become a principal operator of the Observatory, maintain campaign readiness, prepare for suitable satellite passes, conduct time-critical observations and analyse the resulting communications links. The Research Fellow will also coordinate increasingly sophisticated experiments with other members of the Australasian Optical Ground Station Network. These activities will progress from rehearsals and single-station observations to synchronised multi-site campaigns and network demonstrations involving researchers and ground-station operators in Australia and New Zealand. This operational work supports the wider Phase B objective of moving the AOGSN from independently operated facilities towards a coordinated and interoperable optical ground-station network. The position has a strong experimental and operational focus. It is not primarily a software-development role, although the successful candidate will be expected to use scientific analysis software, undertake modest scripting where necessary, and communicate operational requirements to software and engineering collaborators. Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited to): Operating the Taiaho telescope, receiver instrumentation and associated observatory systems. Maintaining operational readiness through calibration, testing, rehearsals, checklists and documented procedures. Working with satellite mission teams and research partners to identify and assess potential optical downlink opportunities. Planning and conducting satellite-pass campaigns, including pre-pass preparation, real-time operation, data capture and post-pass review. Coordinating experimental activities with researchers and operators at other AOGSN node sites. Analysing acquisition and tracking performance, received optical power, signal-to-noise ratio, link availability, throughput, packet or frame loss and bit error rate. Relating measured link performance to observing geometry, atmospheric conditions, telescope performance and receiver configuration. Producing pass reports, technical reports, research publications and presentations. Developing and refining common operational procedures for coordinated optical ground-station experiments. Training students and additional Observatory operators. The work will include regular activity at Ardmore Field Station. Satellite passes do not always occur during standard working hours, and the successful candidate must therefore be willing to undertake occasional evening, night, early-morning or weekend observations. Some travel within New Zealand and internationally may also be required. This is a full-time (40 hrs per week), 26-month fixed-term role The remuneration is from $99,788 to $106,259 per annum and will be dependent on skills and experience. For more detailed information review this position description He kōrero mōu | About you We are seeking a practical, organised and collaborative researcher who is motivated by the challenge of turning advanced scientific infrastructure into a routinely used experimental capability. Essential Applicants should have: A PhD in physics, astronomy, optical science, electrical or communications engineering, aerospace engineering, space systems, or another closely related discipline. Hands-on experience operating, commissioning or supporting complex scientific or engineering instrumentation. Experience planning and conducting experimental…

Responsibilities

• Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity The Department of Physics is seeking a Research Fellow to lead the operational research programme at Taiaho Observatory, the University of Auckland’s free-space optical communications ground station at Ardmore Field Station.
• Taiaho Observatory combines a fast-tracking 30-centimetre DLR telescope with the DLR Simple Optical Ground Station Focaloptics Assembly, together with supporting control, environmental-monitoring and data-acquisition systems.
• It has been developed to acquire and track satellites and receive laser-based communications from space.
• The immediate priority for this position is to maximise the number and scientific value of satellite optical downlink opportunities undertaken from Taiaho.
• The successful candidate will become a principal operator of the Observatory, maintain campaign readiness, prepare for suitable satellite passes, conduct time-critical observations and analyse the resulting communications links.
• The Research Fellow will also coordinate increasingly sophisticated experiments with other members of the Australasian Optical Ground Station Network.

Requirements / Eligibility

• to software and engineering collaborators.
• Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited to): Operating the Taiaho telescope, receiver instrumentation and associated observatory systems.
• Maintaining operational readiness through calibration, testing, rehearsals, checklists and documented procedures.
• Working with satellite mission teams and research partners to identify and assess potential optical downlink opportunities.
• Planning and conducting satellite-pass campaigns, including pre-pass preparation, real-time operation, data capture and post-pass review.

How To Apply

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