Postdoctoral Research Associate in Robotic Imaging for in-Orbit Satellite Servicing (usyd)

Job Description

• Join a world-leading research team developing systems for intelligent in-orbit satellite docking and servicing

• Develop novel imaging technologies to allow robots to see robustly and efficiently in a broad range of challenging conditions

• Full time, 1-year fixed term position, Level A, base salary $105,350-$112,462 + 17% superannuation, located on the Darlington Campus at the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR)

About the opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake fundamental and applied research related to the development, design and deployment of novel imaging technologies for in-orbit satellite docking and servicing. The role is part of a 2-year SmartSat CRC project bringing together leaders from Australia’s space industry and top academics in space and robotics. Industry partners include Abyss, ANT61, Space Machines, Aerospace, and Spiral Blue. Extension beyond the 1-year appointment is possible contingent on performance and availability of funds.

This role will be supervised by Dr Donald Dansereau, head of the JOB IS FROM: postdocjobs.oneVIEWRobotic Imaging Lab within the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR). The ACFR is one of Australia’s leading robotics research groups, and the Robotic Imaging Lab is focused on endowing machines with new ways of seeing the world. As part of the project you will have opportunities to collaborate closely with academics within the university and with our industry partners.

The research will focus on development of novel imaging technologies to overcome the challenges and constraints of the orbital environment. Depending on interest and ability candidate approaches may draw from computational imaging and novel imaging system design, or high-performance low-level interpretation of emerging camera technologies such as neuromorphic event-based and light field cameras. This project will offer dramatic improvements in sensing robustness and performance.

In this role you will:

• work closely with a team of project academics, engineers, and PhD students

• develop, prototype, and characterise novel imaging technologies

• contribute to the creation of a demonstrator system that will showcase your research and that of other project participants, and

• contribute as a researcher to project report preparation, presentation at internal workshops, and dissemination at top international conferences and journals as well as via internal workshops and presentations.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values. We are seeking an excellent candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position who has:

• a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field

• skills relevant to imaging in visually challenging conditions

• knowledge of computational imaging and/or low-level image processing pipelines, especially as relevant to novel imaging technologies

• a desire to advance imaging for in-orbit satellite servicing using novel imaging technologies

• experience with one or more programming languages (C, C++, C#, Python, Matlab)

• proven ability to conduct high quality research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications

• an ability to coordinate multiple project objectives to meet established targets and deadlines

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• hands-on experience with robotic platforms, ROS, and/or deep learning frameworks (Tensorflow and others), and OpenCV would be an asset

• a history of research excellence evidenced by prizes or awards, relative to experience, would be an asset.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au 

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