SKA: What's Being Planned & Job Prospects?

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SUMMARY

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is planned to be a radio telescope located in Australia or New Zealand, with a final decision expected by 2010/2011. The project has received approximately $100 million in funding from the Australian government, indicating potential job opportunities in the field. However, securing a position in Australian astronomy is competitive, especially for recent graduates without a PhD. Prospective candidates are advised to pursue a PhD at the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) in New South Wales to enhance their job prospects in Western Australia.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radio astronomy and its applications
  • Familiarity with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project
  • Knowledge of the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF)
  • Insight into the requirements for a PhD in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the scientific goals outlined on the SKA science page
  • Explore the role of demonstrator telescopes like xNTD and Miranda
  • Investigate PhD programs at ATNF and their admission criteria
  • Learn about gravitational wave research at the University of Western Australia
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, recent graduates in astrophysics, and professionals seeking job opportunities in radio astronomy and related fields will benefit from this discussion.

Teresa
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Does anyone know what kinds of things are being planned for study at the SKA when its built?

i know its going to be a radio telescope, and hopefully in Australia/NewZealand instead of South Africa (it'll be based only a few hours out of Perth WA, where i live :biggrin:)...

and also, what do you think the chances of a local, recently graduated astrophysics student will have of getting a job there? lol
 
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Hi Teresa,

Teresa said:
Does anyone know what kinds of things are being planned for study at the SKA when its built?

I can tell you the final decision between Aus/SA will be made in 2010/2011. In terms of science, have a read of http://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/ska/science.html" page. Currently, there are demonstrator telescopes such as xNTD (or miranda) being built. Also, australian astronomy has received some good funding from the government for this project (~$100 million), so there should be jobs going.

However, jobs in Australia in Astronomy are hard to come by, particularly for people without a PhD. If you want to stay in WA, then I would suggest you do a PhD at ATNF in NSW and try to get a job back in WA when you have finished. Alternatively, you could work on gravity wave stuff (see http://www.gravity.pd.uwa.edu.au/" ).
 
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