Full time, fixed term position for 4.5 years.

Attractive remuneration package based on Level E Professor (salary per annum $208,477) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Total salary package offered is negotiable, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

The Commonwealth of Australia, BAE Systems Australia, and the University of Adelaide have entered into an Agreement for a Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) This has established the Open Innovation Network (JOIN) and the Centre for Advanced Defence Research (CADR) in radio-frequency (RF) Technologies.  The JORN is a critical sovereign asset and a world-leading high frequency (HF) radar system.

The creation of this Centre will provide a skilled workforce and technology pipeline for industry and Defence to maintain Australian leadership in the field. This workforce, along with innovative research to develop and commercialise new technologies are essential in support of Australia’s national security and safety interests. 

The University of Adelaide is seeking applications for a leading appointment in the field of Ionospheric Physics (IP) to actively engage with the broader research community with a view to developing collaborative research to find innovative solutions to defence research problems within the field and continue to grow the future workforce. The Chair Professor in Ionospheric Physics will provide academic leadership in this field, within the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus.

Together the Chair in Ionospheric Physics, and the Chair in Radio-Frequency Systems, will push the frontiers of research in this area globally and grow sovereign capabilities in critical RF and HF technologies through collaborations with the Commonwealth, BAE Systems and other stakeholders.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD in Ionospheric and/or Space Physics or related degrees, in specific areas including (but not limited to) radiowave propagation, remote sensing, radar data collection, processing and analysis, or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• International recognition and demonstrated leadership in ionospheric physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, effectively prioritising between potential research opportunities to deliver optimal outcomes towards strategic goals.
• A strong track record of publications in leading journals, or equivalent research outputs, in ionospheric and space physics or radio frequency systems.
• A strong record in High-Frequency (HF) systems is a distinct advantage.

The Chair Professor position requires applicants to be eligible to acquire and maintain an Australian Department of Defence NV1 Security clearance.

Your Faculty's and School’s broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au 

The University of Adelaide’s School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences includes internationally regarded researchers whose ground-breaking and award-winning discoveries are changing the way we understand the world from the nanoscale to the universe.  The School has made valuable contributions to scientific research, are industry leaders, have received Nobel Prizes and have explored the Antarctic. This wealth of experience is brought into the classroom.  Harness your curiosity – join in our research or study with us. Let’s work together to discover new perspectives on the world at all scales.

Learn more at: School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences | University of Adelaide

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

As part of the recruitment process for the Chair in Ionospheric Physics, please could you disclose in your covering letter if you have any perceived ‘conflicts of interest’ by undertaking this position. This is solely to ensure the Committee are notified early in the process for their information.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position, as contained in the selection criteria document.

 Selection Criteria - Chair Professor in Ionospheric Physics.docx

Applications will close 11:55pm (AEDT) Tuesday 25 February 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact:

Professor Christopher Sumby
Head of School, Physics, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
E: christopher.sumby@adelaide.edu.au
P: +61(8) 8313 7406

Or,

Associate Professor Andrew MacKinnon
School of Physics, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
E: andrew.mackinnon@adelaide.edu.au
P: +61 (8) 8313 3875

You will find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, please try viewing on another device)

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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