"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Exoplanet Science"

PRIMARY DETAIL

Salary Package: $109,272 - $117,108 (HEW Level A.6-A.8) - plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.

Full time, 3 year fixed-term role

Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Collaborate with leading researchers and build your Academic networks.

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Exoplanet Science to join the new Macquarie Astrostatistics group. You will be working with A/Prof Benjamin Pope and A/Prof Christian Schwab on a full-time, fixed term period for 3 years.

This role will develop and apply new machine-learning based approaches for extremely precise radial velocity studies and exoplanet spectroscopy with the NEID, HPF, and MARVEL facilities, and pursue related exoplanet and stellar science.

We are particularly seeking applicants with experience in:

Radial velocity, stellar, and/or exoplanet spectroscopy studies; and/or astronomical instrumentation or observing programmes

Machine learning in physical science, especially with transformer models

Jax, PyTorch, and/or Julia; with probabilistic programming languages; or with high-dimensional optimization and inference in physics contexts.

Essential criteria

A Doctorate in a relevant field such as Astrophysics, statistics, or applied mathematics, with a background in astronomy

Experience in both statistics and/or astronomy

The ability to clearly express your ideas and communicate in a team.

The ability to work independently on problems and motivate junior members of the team.

We strongly encourage applications from women and gender diverse researchers, who remain underrepresented in the physical sciences and astronomy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research environment where different perspectives, experiences and ideas are valued and supported.

About Us

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is an inclusive community in scientific collaboration. Mathematics and statistics drive breakthroughs in technology and data science, while physics and astronomy seek to understand matter and the Universe – everything from quarks to galaxy clusters. We collaborate closely with local, national, and international organisations and companies across the diverse mathematical and physical sciences fields. Further information about our school is available here.

How to apply:

To be considered for this position, applicants must provide their CV (2 page max), a Cover Letter (1 page max), and statements outlining:

A description of previous research experience (1 page max)

A statement of research interests

The names and contact details of three referees

We welcome applicants from international applicants.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Associate Professor Benjamin Pope, benjamin.pope@mq.edu.au.

Applications Close: Tuesday 10th of March at 11:59pm (AEST)

*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University/Health cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University/Health. 

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:10/03/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.