Optus PhD Scholarships for Optical Communications #1

About this scholarship

These two PhD scholarships are provided by Optus as part of the Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications, and Hypersonics Hub (iLAuNCH) Next Generation Satellite Communication project in partnership with ANU.

These opportunities are ideal for highly motivated graduates interested in:

developing cutting edge optical instruments to enable free-space optical communications through challenging environments using the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics’ Quantum Optical Ground Station (project #1)

OR

developing a technical approach for integrating laser optical communications into Optus’s existing network (project #2).

For more information on each project please see the additional information links below.

SUMMARY

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Academic

VALUE

$ 38,154

per annum

Up to AU$38,154 for stipend scholarship OR

AU$28,571 for supplementary scholarship

2 on offer

Payments made fortnightly

Payments made for 3.5 years

Student types
Domestic
Student levels
Postgraduate research
Number of scholarships awarded
2 on offer
Selection bases
Academic merit
Ongoing eligibility
Continuation based on academic performance

Field of study

Laser communications, optical instrumentation, atmospheric turbulence site testing, and adaptive optics

Eligibility

The Awards are available once to two prospective ANU students who:

will be enrolling full-time in a program of study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, based in the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (‘the School’), College of Science;
has completed qualifications comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor first class Honours degree, or has demonstrated research experience to a standard equivalent to an ANU first class Honours in Physics, Engineering, Astronomy or a related field
for project #1: has basic programming skills, experience in physics, engineering, astronomical instrumentation, or related fields

OR

for project #2: has a demonstrated understanding of optics and optical systems; and
for project #1: preferably has experience with signal processing, telecoms, IP networking, RF engineering and/or software defined radios, optical design, optical instrumentation, telescope and observatory operations

OR

for project #2: preferably has experience in optical design, optical instrumentation, telescope and observatory operations, communication systems and signals processing, and software and control systems skills; and
demonstrates excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively and foster respectful and productive working relationships with colleagues, team/group members, and collaborators; and
is an Australian citizen and
for project #1: is willing to undergo the process of obtaining a Security Clearance issued by the Australia Government Security Vetting Agency.

This stipend scholarship will be awarded with consideration towards gender diversity.

Additional information

Stipend scholarship at the minimum ANU AGRTP rate OR supplementary scholarship. Paid in fortnightly instalments for 3.5 years.

Paid leave entitlements:

60 working days medical
60 working days parental, 5 days partner

Travel Allowance

Financial support by reimbursement to travel between Optus’ facilities and ANU and to attend relevant workshops and events. Up to AU$12,000: AU$5,000 in years one and two each and up to AU$2,000 in year three of the candidature.

Other non-cash benefits of the project:

Opportunity to rotate through ground and space engineering teams and be involved in the day-to-day operation of the groups/departments/areas with whom they are working.
Mentorship from area leads and technical experts.
Opportunity to participate in Optus Satellite enterprise training on satellite networks, operations, and RF engineering.
Opportunity to participate in STEM outreach activities through Optus Satellite’s ‘Space Ambassador’ program.

Opportunity to connect with Optus’s Networks for LGBTQIA+, Women, Young Professionals, Wellbeing and Space Ambassadors.

Submit an expression of interest to francis.bennet@anu.edu.au, including a CV, a cover letter detailing research interests and experience, and contact information for at least two references.