How to apply
Frequently asked questions
Astronomy Research at the AAO
Words of encouragement
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Introduction
Opportunities exist for Undergraduate Students who have completed not less than 2 years of full time course work in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or related subjects to work at the Anglo-Australian Observatory on research projects under the individual supervision of AAO staff astronomers. In addition to astronomical research, a major part of the Observatory's core business is astronomical instrumentation for optical/infrared telescopes. This provides good opportunities for students who seek experience in photonics, electronics, software, mechanical and systems engineering, and benefits from the AAO's close ties to astrophotonics research groups at Macquarie University and the University of Sydney.Historically the AAO Student Fellowship program has catered primarily to UK students during their summer break (the Australian winter), and to Australian students during their summer break. However, the AAO is keen to expand participation to undergraduate students from any country who can fit the program in to their academic calendar. Student Fellowships are available for 10 to 12 weeks in the period mid June to mid September, and for 10 to 12 weeks in the period December to February.
The stipend for 2008 is A$598 per week.
For Australian students from states other than NSW, there is an additional $75 rental allowance per week, and a rail fare reimbursement. Students from New Zealand receive the rental allowance and economy-class air fare reimbursement.
For students from elsewhere, airfares to and from Australia and accommodation costs will mostly be the responsibility of the student, though non-financial assistance will be provided with Visiting Academic visas and with finding accommodation.
Scholars will be selected on academic merit, the candidate's statement, and on the recommendation of their academic referees.
The AAO headquarters are located in Epping, a suburb approximately 25 km from the centre of Sydney. In one or two cases, scholars may be based at the telescope site (Siding Spring) near Coonabarabran in central western New South Wales. For students based in Sydney, a field trip is arranged to visit the telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory.
How to Apply
Applications by e-mail are strongly preferred. Please send your application as a single Word or PDF document attachment to the AAO Student Fellowship Coordinator, Dr Stuart Ryder (sdr -@- aao.gov.au). The application should include the following:
- Full name and contact address (it is essential to include an e-mail address).
- Full details of university studies, including a transcript of academic record (if your university supplies only hardcopy transcripts, please scan it and send us the JPEG or PDF file).
- Names and e-mail addresses of TWO academic referees who have been asked to e-mail letters to Dr Ryder by the application deadline, outlining the applicant's suitability for this scholarship program. The AAO does not chase up late referees, and missing references can hinder your chances of selection.
- A one page statement giving the applicant's reasons for applying and his/her interests in Astronomy/Astrophysics/Instrumentation.
Closing date for winter (June - Sep) Fellowship applicants: 15 February
Closing date for summer (Dec - Feb) Fellowship applicants: 31 AugustFrequently asked Questions
How soon may I apply before the deadline?
Please restrict your application to no sooner
than 1 month before the official deadline.
When may we expect to hear about placements?
Offers will normally be sent out within 2-3 weeks
of the application deadline.
How many placements are there?
Typically, we can offer up to 3 places for both
winter and summer programs.
May I apply by post or by fax?
If absolutely necessary then yes you may, although you
should email Dr Stuart Ryder at
sdr -@- aao.gov.au
to indicate that you have done this.
Our fax number is +61 2 9372 4880.
Does a studentship improve my chances for a PhD
place?
We find that most students go on to PhDs in a
physical science discipline, most of those in astronomy &
astrophysics.
Do I get to choose my supervisor?
In general, no. This really depends on who is
available to supervise a student. Don't forget that astronomers travel
a lot to exotic locations and we need one that is in residence during
the time frame of the studentship.
Do I get to choose my research project?
In general, no. The supervisor will identify
a compact project that will educate the student about the research
process and, hopefully, show the student that astronomy is a very rewarding
career. Sometimes, this work leads on to a publication in an astronomy
journal.
Astronomy Research at the AAO
AAO astronomers are active in many areas of research. A list of current AAO research staff and their interests, as well as a sample of research projects on offer to Honours and PhD students, is available.
Words of Encouragement
Environment
So let me encourage you to apply for one of our studentships. You will find the AAO a very friendly and congenial environment. Students play a crucial role in research. We will give you an interesting and topical science project to carry out. Sometimes, this work is of sufficient quality that it leads to a published paper in a refereed journal.
We will encourage you to go on to a research career in astronomy. Most of our past students do just that. In fact, many of the AAO staff have come through programs just like this one!
Being an Astronomer
What makes someone a good astronomer? First, a good grasp of physics and computers really helps, and of course mathematical modelling and analysis. Second, a genuine love for astronomy and/or instrumentation helps too. You will find most astronomers to be highly motivated and passionate about their work. Modern astronomy draws on many sub-disciplines. Well known astronomers were originally trained in fields as diverse as optics, nuclear physics, low temperature physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, biology, and even linguistics!
Career Path
Another question we are frequently asked is "what is a `typical' career path in astronomical research?" The PhD typically lasts 4 to 5 years. After that, an astronomer looks to take one or two postdoctoral positions each lasting 2 to 3 years. With luck, the astronomer will then find a long-term or permanent position at an Observatory or on the faculty of a University. You may need to wait a few decades for your first Nobel prize...