Astrostatistics scholarship
In our research group, we are mainly focused on applications connecting differentiable physics models with AI methods in exoplanet science and stellar astrophysics.
This project is on astrostatistics – the science of learning about the universe from telescope data using modern statistics and machine learning – applied to stellar physics and exoplanet science.
Key details
- 20247006
- MRes + PhD, PhD
- Applications close on 30 April 2025
- Domestic, International
- Science
- $38,500 p.a.
About the scholarship
We want to:
- dig into difficult noise and find planets
- reconstruct high resolution images of the surfaces of stars
- trace solar and stellar variability in data from tree rings to the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
- design new space telescopes rigorously according to the principles of Bayesian Experimental Design.
This is a new research group at Macquarie, and there is wide scope for potential projects across and adjacent to exoplanet direct imaging, and stellar time series analysis, both for exoplanet and stellar astrophysics and related areas.
In each case, we are interested in combining physics knowledge with flexible nonparametric models like neural networks, Gaussian Processes or regularised high dimensional linear models.
Some examples of things we are working on include:
- direct imaging with the James Webb Space Telescope aperture masking interferometer and coronagraphs
- combining our differentiable optical model dLux with a neural network ‘effective detector model’ to represent difficult-to-model electronic noise processes
- Gaussian Process models of exoplanet data from Kepler and TESS.
Availability
The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake:
- a direct entry three-year PhD program
- a four-year MRes + PhD program.
The ideal student has experience both in statistics and physics – though not necessarily at the same level – strong Python skills, and familiarity with Jax, PyTorch or Julia.
Components
The scholarships comprise:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of each stipend scholarship is $38,500 per annum (full time, indexed) for four years.
How to apply
Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest to Associate Professor Benjamin Pope at b.pope@uq.edu.au.