Revealing the Hidden Transient Sky: Automated Optical and Near-Infrared Follow-up of Extreme Transients

About the research project

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory and other next-generation transient surveys will discover unprecedented numbers of rapidly evolving and unusual astronomical events. The challenge will no longer be simply detecting transients, but identifying in real time which sources are scientifically exceptional, determining their physical origin, and obtaining the additional observations needed before they fade.

In this project, you will develop an automated pathway from transient discovery to physical interpretation. You will use alert streams from Rubin and other facilities, together with tools such as the Fink broker, to identify and prioritise extreme transients including unusual and rapidly evolving supernovae [SNe], gamma-ray burst [GRB] counterparts, kilonovae, and other rare or poorly understood stellar explosions.

A major component of the project will focus on supernovae. Wide-field optical surveys are expected to reveal large populations of unusual, rapidly evolving, highly extinguished or otherwise atypical SNe. You will investigate their photometric evolution, colours, environments and host galaxies to constrain their progenitor systems and explosion mechanisms.

You will connect automated candidate selection with rapid optical follow-up through UTAS facilities and wider optical telescope networks, including access to the ANU 2.3-m telescope and other national and international facilities. This will provide multi-band photometric and, where available, spectroscopic observations required to classify events and follow their evolution beyond the initial survey detections.

Near-infrared [NIR] observations will provide an additional and complementary component of the project. NIR data can reveal dust-obscured explosions, improve measurements of temperature and bolometric luminosity, trace the evolution of the spectral energy distribution, and help distinguish between transient classes that appear similar at optical wavelengths. The most scientifically valuable candidates may be escalated to larger facilities and international NIR networks such as SUPER-IRNET.

Combined optical and NIR observations will therefore be used to determine when additional wavelength coverage changes the physical interpretation of a transient. This will be particularly valuable for rapidly evolving and highly reddened SNe, GRB-associated transients, unusual stellar explosions and, where relevant, kilonova candidates associated with compact-object mergers.

The project will connect with the OzGrav Extreme Transients and their Progenitors programme and its broader electromagnetic follow-up activities. By combining physically motivated modelling, machine-learning and automated transient selection, optical and NIR telescope networks, and detailed studies of SNe and other extreme transients, you will investigate the progenitors and physical mechanisms responsible for some of the most energetic explosions in the Universe.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Karelle Siellez

Funding

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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:

 

• Knowledge of astrophysics, gravitational waves, or time-domain astronomy, particularly experience with telescope operations or transient surveys.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing or cloud platforms for large-scale data processing.
• Need to be part of the UTAS team, and thus will have to be more than 50% working 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:

• Strong academic performance in physics, astrophysics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, C/C++, or similar) and familiarity with machine learning or statistical modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large datasets and apply quantitative methods to research questions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to present research clearly to both technical and general audiences.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as within an international, collaborative team environment.

 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Strong academic performance in physics, astrophysics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python) and familiarity with machine learning or statistical modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large datasets and apply quantitative methods to research questions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to present research clearly to both technical and general audiences.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as within an international, collaborative team environment.

 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Karelle Siellez to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. 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.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

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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