Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Are you passionate about astrophysics and eager to explore the mysteries of the universe? We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our research team and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in gravitational waves astrophysics, with a focus on gamma-ray bursts counterparts.
Our research group is dedicated to studying the astrophysical phenomena associated with Gravitational Waves, distortion of space time created by Black Holes and their counterparts in electromagnetic through gamma ray bursts, high energy bursts of particles and kilonovae, isotropic rapidly decaying matter. The successful candidate will work on analyzing gravitational wave data from advanced detectors such as LIGO / Virgo / Kagra, as part of the ARC Center of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery in Australia, in conjunction with multi-messenger observations from telescopes around the world and satellites. After the breakthrough discovery of Gravitational Waves in 2015, the only ever observed multi-messenger event happened in 2017. Working on Gravitational Data to seek for coincident events, the project will consist on improving a dedicated pipeline for Gravitational Wave data that could lead to the next discovery. In addition, the candidate will work on analyzing X-ray and gamma-ray data obtained from space-based telescopes such as SVOM, Swift, and Fermi, aiming to identify and characterize coincident events observed by gravitational wave detectors to understand the physics of those progenitors, as well as developing strategy of detection while following up with telescopes and telescopes specific events that would help constraining the Star Formation Rate.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Karelle SiellezFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applications are open to Domestic applicants
- English must be above the minimum entry requirements
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in astrophysics, physics, or computational engineer (or similar)
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Applicants must be familiar with Python coding
- Basic Unit of Astrophysics / Astronomy must have been completed,
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in astrophysics, physics, or computational engineer (or similar)
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Strong background in data analysis, signal processing, and software development
- Passion for astronomy is a plus
- Experience with other programming languages such as MATLAB, Mathematica, C/C++, IDL is desired
- Familiarity with gravitational wave data analysis and/or X-ray/gamma-ray astronomy is desirable but not required.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Karelle Siellez to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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