The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s highest-ranked, research-intensive and comprehensive university. Recognised as one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial universities and with an established innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Te Pūnaha Ātea/The Auckland Space Institute is a multidisciplinary centre of expertise covering topics ranging from spacecraft engineering to astrophysics, to remote sensing and applications of space technologies. Our work includes research and development working with industry, academia, government and other key stakeholders, with the aim to further grow the burgeoning New Zealand space sector. We also run educational activities at undergraduate, post-graduate and post-doctoral levels. Our team includes world-leading expertise, coupled with a stimulating, cooperative work environment which benefits from New Zealand’s unique geographic, cultural and political situation.

The Faculty of Engineering at The University of Auckland has a rapidly growing interest in electromagnetic remote-sensing for monitoring of the Earth’s processes, including sensor and mission design and utilization of existing space-borne, airborne, and ground-based systems.

We’re currently seeking a research fellow to support multidisciplinary international research projects contributing to algorithm development and data analysis for proof-of-concept efforts.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This opportunity will support two interdisciplinary and international research programmes.  One is a unique collaboration with NASA to mature and characterise the next-generation GNSS-R technology with an emphasis on terrestrial scattering and science product retrievals including calibration and validation for current and future missions.  The second is a separate yet complementary programme requiring polarimetric synthetic aperture radar system engineering expertise including supporting airborne experimental campaigns, calibration/validation, data analysis and terrestrial hydrology retrievals.

The successful applicant will:

• Coordinate integrated multi-sensor calibration and validation activities.
• Conduct data analysis and algorithm development for measurement retrievals of geophysical properties or processes
• Support programme building through proposal writing and fostering research collaborations

For more detailed information, please read the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• a PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
• excellent knowledge of electromagnetic scattering theory and practice
• experience in electromagnetic remote sensing system design, development and analysis with experience in processor development and field-work preferred
• strong scientific programming skills

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland (42,000 students) is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic 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
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• Company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

 Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 6th of December 2020 to be considered. Please include your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role. 

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, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

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In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy  to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an off-shore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.