Project Overview

The Murchison Widefield Array telescope, and future SKA-Low telescope will explore primordial hydrogen from the early Universe to learn about the nature of the first generations of stars and galaxies. This precision experiment requires the connection of the key astrophysics to the expected radio signal and the telescope data. Low-frequency radio telescopes are complicated instruments, and the observational strategy and experimental details can have a large impact on the astrophysical interpretation. This project will span the Curtin and ANU research groups for the most sophisticated simulations and modelling tools.

Aims

This project will harness the latest set of high resolution and complete simulations of the early Universe (DRAGONS), combined with an in-house telescope simulation tool (WODEN+OSKAR), to understand how to interpret our data from the current MWA and upcoming SKA experiments. It will particularly focus on biases in the astrophysical interpretation introduced by choices in observational setup and methodology.

Objectives

Key objectives are: 
- Connect sophisticated DRAGONS simulations of the early Universe with the WODEN and OSKAR simulation tool to produce realistic MWA and SKA datasets 
- Infer astrophysical parameters (e.g., properties of xrays produced by the first stars; minimum galaxy mass that can produce stars) from simulated data and explore parameter biases from different observational choices 
- Define a set of minimally-biased observations from which astrophysical parameters can be estimated.

Significance 

Exploration of the first billion years of the Universe is one of the SKA's primary science goals. This project will help to design and shape the upcoming Key Science Program experiments with SKA-Low and connect the observations with astrophysics of the early Universe. Australia is expected to play a leadership role in this key experiment, with an international team of observers set to be involved. From this project the student will gain key skills in data modelling and analysis, but also training to place them well for future work within the SKA Observatory over its 50 year lifetime.

We have an existing research collaboration with the DRAGONS simulation group at the ANU, and both the WODEN and OSKAR simulation tools are at-hand. We also have access to all past and future MWA Phase III observations. We have active and ongoing projects with the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre , where simulations can be undertaken and data are stored, and can also access resources through NCI. We also have a close relationship with the SKA Observatory, and it is located across the road from CIRA, allowing ease of travel for the student to undertake an internship or enjoy co-supervision. This project may be supported by a range of submitted ARC grants (Laureate, Discovery Project, and CoE application, which is in preparation phase). It will also receive some local ICRAR support for travel etc in the event that ARC funding applications are unsuccessful.

An internship may be available for this project.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

• Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.

1

All applicable HDR courses.

We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, communication, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with strong quantitative skills, including familiarity with Python are desired for this project. Experience with GPUs and CUDA would be very beneficial. Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin.

 

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR expression of interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.

Project Lead: Professor Cathryn Trott