Fully-funded PhD Student Opportunity - Big Data from the Desert Fireball Network
Project Title: Big Data from the Desert Fireball Network
Principal Supervisor: Dr. Eleanor Sansom(Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia),
Co-Supervisors: Prof Phil Bland (Curtin University), Dr Hadrien Devillepoix (Curtin University)
Application Deadline: 18th August 2022
Project Summary:
The Space Science and Technology Centre at Curtin University has pioneered the development of large networked facilities using hardened autonomous observatories. The Desert Fireball Network (DFN) has autonomous stations across Australia. It has been observing ~2.5 million km2 of Australian skies since 2015. It provides a spatial context for meteorites - we can track a rock back to where it originated in the solar system, and forward to where it lands, for recovery by a field party. The database of >1400 meteoroid orbits is larger than the combined literature dataset for >70 years of observation, providing a unique window into the distribution of debris in the inner solar system. With 17 international partners, and facilitated by NASA, the project has recently expanded to a global facility. The Global Fireball Observatory (GFO) will cover x5 the observing area of the DFN, able to track debris entering our atmosphere 24 hours a day. These networks informed the development of a satellite tracking network - FireOPAL - with Lockheed Martin. Although designed for satellite observations, FireOPAL also happens to be a world-class astronomical transient observatory. The DFN, GFO, and FireOPAL are helping us answer fundamental questions in planetary science and astronomy. If you would like to be part of this team, and work with colleagues in universities around the world, at NASA, and in industry, contact us today.
Find out more https://dfn.gfo.rocks/opportunities.html, or email eleanor.sansom@curtin.edu.au today. Scholarshop applications are due 18th August.
The successful applicants with join a diverse team of researchers in the Space Science and Technology Centre and the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University.
Candidate Selection Criteria
- We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a keen interest in planetary science.
- Must have a minimum Bachelor degree (BSc Honours 1st class or 2.A) and/or a Masters (by research) in astronomy, physics, data science or planetary sciences.
- Must have a strong ability to communicate scientific knowledge, both orally and in written form. Good writing and speaking skills in English (find out more here), and proficiency in high school-level mathematics and physics are essential.
- The candidate requires abilities to work independently, and collaboratively in a team.
- A demonstrable ability in the dissemination of their scientific results is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of and experience in geoscience analytical techniques, particularly electron microscopy and in situ isotope analysis techniques is desirable.
- Evidence of research experience, academic awards/publications/presentations at conferences is desirable.
How to Apply
To express your interest in this project, please complete the online expression of interest form as soon as possible, certainly before the application deadline 18 August 2022, 17:00 Australian Western Standard Time (GMT+8). Contact Eleanor.Sansom@curtin.edu.au for more information.
Scholarship description
Successful applicants for admission to PhD will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships, valued at approx. AU$28,800 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3.5 years, are determined via a competitive selection process. Applicants will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2022.Find out more: www.study.curtin.edu.au/higher-degree-by-research/rtp-scholarship/
Studying a doctoral degree at Curtin University gives you the opportunity to undertake research at a global university ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide* to pursue your passion for research. Curtin University is home to one of Australia's leading institutions for geoscience and planetary science research and has an excellent international reputation for quality research and extensive research infrastructure.
*Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2021.
