Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics

Fixed term available until 31 December 2026

The Portable Atomic Clocks team within the Institute for Photonics at the University of Adelaide is seeking a Postdoctoral Research in Physics to supplement its capabilities.  This award-winning team has demonstrated success developing high-performance portable atomic clocks, with validation of the clocks carried out in international field trials.  The team is formed of both physicists and engineers with a wide range of skillsets and is a positive environment providing opportunity to gain in depth knowledge of the full clock development process, from proof-of-concept testing in the lab to delivery of fully automated, turn-key systems.

The Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics role will be responsible for carrying out design, construction and characterisation of AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) clock sub-systems, with limited direction.  This will include design of atomic interrogation techniques, modelling and development of free-space and fibre-based optical systems, construction of lab test systems, and design and construction of vacuum systems.  The role will also include characterisation of these systems, including design and construction of measurement systems and use of analytical and computational skills for data analysis.  The successful application will be expected to bring their strengths to this role, working with the team to deliver world-class solutions to challenging physics problems.

Associate Lecturer (Level A, $98,574 - $105,611 per annum) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful at a Level A you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in experimental physics (or related field); or
• In-depth knowledge related to Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (that is, the interaction and manipulation of atoms or molecules using light), including: spectroscopy of atomic vapours; laser cooling of neutral atoms; coherent spectroscopy techniques; ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Experience with vacuum systems and familiarity with fibre and free-space optics.
• Advanced analytical and computational skills, including data collection and analysis, and a demonstrated ability to perform numerical and symbolic calculations.
• Experience working as part of a research project or performing novel research.
  
  

Lecturer (Level B, $111,031 - $131,335 per annum) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful at a Level B you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in experimental physics (or related field); or
• In-depth knowledge related to Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (that is, the interaction and manipulation of atoms or molecules using light), including: spectroscopy of atomic vapours; laser cooling of neutral atoms; coherent spectroscopy techniques; ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Experience with vacuum systems and familiarity with fibre and free-space optics.
• Advanced analytical and computational skills, including data collection and analysis, and a demonstrated ability to perform numerical and symbolic calculations.
• Experience working as part of a research project or performing novel research.
• Experience in PhD student supervision

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - 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; flexible work arrangements; 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, 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.

Applications close 11:55pm, Wednesday 16 April 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, contact:

Professor Andre Luiten
Chair of Experimental Physics/ IPAS Chief Innovator
Physics/ Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
andre.luiten@adelaide.edu.au 

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

We are 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. 

Apply now