A bit about the program

You will be based at ANU’s Mount Stromlo campus, working on the Quantum Optical Ground Station. You will develop cutting edge optical instruments to enable free-space optical communications through challenging environments.  You will be part of a vibrant group of researchers working together to do world-class research in partnership with industry.

You will develop and deploy site testing equipment to characterise sites around the world (including remote areas) to enable future optical ground station deployment. The site testing data will be compared with models to provide model validation and improvement. These models will form the basis of work developing a network of optical ground stations to serve the growing need for satellite communications. 

You will develop a custom and high-performance adaptive optics system to correct for atmospheric turbulence, including being part of the design process with a world leading team of instrumentation experts. You will build and deploy the instrument to prove its capabilities including satellite optical communication links with satellites. 

As part of the laser communication team you will be exposed to other opportunities including working with ANU collaborators from industry, international space agencies, and the Defence sector.

Skills and background required

Required:

• Bachelor with Honours and/or Masters in Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, or a related field
• Understanding of optics and optical systems

Preferred:

• Experience in optical design, optical instrumentation, telescope and observatory operations
• Software and control systems skills and experience
• Communication systems and signals processing experience

Additional:

• Optus’s offices are all fully accessible.

Special requirements

The following attributes are required for the PhD candidate:

• Full time only
• Willing to travel to do site testing.
• An Australian or NZ citizen willing to become an Australian citizen
• An ability and willingness to contribute to the education activities in the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and foster respectful and productive working relationships with colleagues, team/group members, and collaborators.
• A demonstrated good level of understanding of the diversity, belonging, inclusiveness, and equity principles and a commitment to apply these principles in a university context.

Additional support

• Opportunity to spend time at Optus’s Belrose Space Operations Centre, if desired, and undertake short placements or ‘shadow’ team members.
• Financial support to travel to Optus’ annual conference/ meeting in Sydney and present research.
• Mentorship from area leads/ technical experts.
• Opportunity to participate in Optus Satellite enterprise training on satellite networks, operations, and RF engineering.
• Opportunity to participate in STEM outreach activities through Optus Satellite’s ‘Space Ambassador’ program.
• Find support with Optus’s Networks for LGBTQIA+, Women, Young Professionals, Wellbeing and our Space Ambassadors.