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

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students' study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers. We have excellent library and computing facilities.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

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 observations, field campaigns, communications tests or other activities with fixed and time-critical operating windows.
• Experience collecting, quality-controlling and analysing quantitative experimental data.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prepare thoroughly for events that occur at predetermined times.
• The ability to coordinate activities involving multiple researchers, organisations or facilities.
• The ability to diagnose practical problems involving interacting hardware, instrumentation, control and data-acquisition systems.
• Competence with scientific data-analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB or equivalent.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and geographically distributed team.
• A careful, reliable and methodical approach to experimental operations and record keeping.
• The willingness and ability to work at Ardmore Field Station outside normal working hours when required by satellite-pass opportunities.

Desirable

Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Operating an astronomical telescope, robotic observatory, optical ground station or satellite ground station.
• Acquiring and tracking satellites or other rapidly moving targets.
• Free-space optical communications, laser communications, satellite communications or optical receiver systems.
• Communications-system metrics such as received power, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, packet loss and bit error rate.
• Telescope pointing, tracking, calibration or optical alignment.
• Satellite-orbit prediction and pass planning.
• The effects of cloud, atmospheric extinction, turbulence, background light and pointing error on optical links.
• Linux-based observatory or scientific systems.
• International or multi-institutional research collaborations.
• Laser safety and the safe operation of optoelectronic equipment.
• Training students, researchers or facility operators.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

This position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of experimental physics, astronomy, photonics, satellite communications and space systems. The successful candidate will have a central role in operating a distinctive New Zealand research facility and in developing practical international optical-ground-station collaborations.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytical facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices where compatible with the operational requirements of the position.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contributions.
• A competitive salary and five weeks’ annual leave.
• Career-development and professional-training programmes.
• Generous parental-leave provisions.
• Childcare services and a range of discounts on internal and external services.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 8th October 2026 to be considered.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your suitability for its operational and research responsibilities.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A brief statement addressing the essential skills and experience listed above.

Please contact Associate Professor Nicholas Rattenbury - Department of Physics via [email protected] for a confidential conversation about the role. We are happy to answer questions, but applications cannot be accepted by email.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz