(Level A) $78,544 to $105,611 or (Level B) $111,031 to $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% Superannuation applies.

Fixed-term, full-time position for 3 years.

The School of School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences (PCES) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher position (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) within the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS).
This is one of two postdoctoral positions that we are currently seeking to fill.

Working in the Precision Sensing and Measurement Theme, you will work with a team towards using microcombs to reduce the size, weight, and power of state-of-the-art optical clocks with the aim to create a new class of integrated optical clocks on a single optical chip.

This position is suitable for anyone with a PhD or an equivalent degree in physics, electrical and electronic engineering, or a related discipline.
The successful candidate will work as part of the Precision Measurement Group at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) within the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences (PCES) to make significant contributions to the miniaturisation of high-precision optical clocks using microcombs and photonic chip technology that are being developed by the COMBS Chief Investigators across Australia to:

• Develop locking techniques to stabilise optical microcombs and explore the integration of other photonic clock components on photonic chips to reduce the size of the current optical clock system.
• Explore the use of stabilised microcombs that reach down to the atomic transition wavelengths for the direct readout of the clock signal.
• Explore the integration of miniaturised atomic vapour cells on photonic chips and investigate the trade-off of between component size and clock performance.
• Contribute to other Themes within COMBS

The successful candidate is expected to work on these specific project aspects while gaining valuable research experience in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

The successful applicant will undertake both experimental work and theoretical studies. They will participate in and be supported by key institutions such as IPAS and the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences.

 be successful at a Level A you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in experimental physics (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) or electrical and electronic engineering.
• A commitment to research excellence
• Experience of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (that is, the interaction and manipulation of atoms or molecules using light), including: laser cooling of neutral atoms; coherent spectroscopy techniques; ultra-high vacuum systems OR experience in photonic integrated circuit research, including using photonic integrated circuits in precision measurement system demonstrations.
• A demonstrated publication track record in leading scientific journals and conferences, or equivalent for industry researchers
• A demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with professional and industry bodies, government, and members of the community
• Good organisational and time management skills, including willingness to follow an agreed project plan and meet realistic milestones
• The ability to engage with industry partners and manage deliverables

To be successful at a Level B you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree in experimental physics (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) or electrical and electronic engineering.
• A commitment to research excellence
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (that is, the interaction and manipulation of atoms or molecules using light), including: laser cooling of neutral atoms; coherent spectroscopy techniques; ultra-high vacuum systems OR experience in photonic integrated circuit research, including using photonic integrated circuits in system demonstrations.
• A demonstrated publication track record in leading scientific journals and conferences, or equivalent for industry researchers
• A demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team
• Experience in PhD student supervision
• Experience in liaising with research project funding sponsors, and communicating effectively with professional and industry bodies, government, and members of the community.
• Experience in leading research projects that have required organisational and time management skills, including experience to follow an agreed project plan and meet realistic milestones
• Experience in engaging with industry partners and manage deliverables

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty'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

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

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

Applications close 11:55pm, 13 September 2024

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Prof Andre Luiten
IPAS Chief Innovator, Chair of Experimental Physics
E: andre.luiten@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and selection criteria below: (If no links appear, 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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