Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pulsed Lasers

3 x 2 year full time, fixed term positions with a possibly of extension

The DualTech Ultrashort and Short Pulsed Lasers (USPL) research group is seeking talented researchers to contribute to the design and development of USPL laser sources for dual-use applications.

With decades of expertise, we are at the cutting edge of laser technology and innovation, specializing in high-average and high-energy laser systems with high repetition rates. Our research spans laser engineering, laser plasma physics, and advanced photonics, playing a key role in strengthening Australia's sovereign scientific and industrial capabilities.

We drive innovation in the design, development, and construction of USPL laser systems, integrating expertise in optics, photonics, mechanical, and electronic engineering. Our collaborative, multidisciplinary environment fosters teamwork and innovation, pushing the boundaries of laser science and technology.

Our mission is to establish a sovereign USPL scientific and industrial capability to address critical national needs including clean energy and defence. This program plays a vital role in advancing Australia’s technological strength while delivering long-term benefits to the scientific, industrial, health and defence community.

Why Join?

• Contribute to the development of innovative laser technologies with real-world applications.
• Help build Australia’s sovereign capabilities in advanced laser research.
• Play an essential role in enhancing the Australian defence eco-system and benefiting consumers.
• Collaborate with experts in mechanical and electronic engineering, optics, and photonics.
• Access high-value job opportunities within a dynamic, ambitious program.

You will be a key player, you'll plan, prepare, and implement groundbreaking experiments, while utilising numerical and theoretical simulations to support high-power laser studies.
You will lead the development and operation of laser diagnostics in a state-of-the-art laboratory spaces dedicated to High-Energy Laser Matter Interaction, while offering guidance to post-graduate and master students, and showcasing your expertise at conferences and workshops.

This is your chance to build a personal research portfolio, pursue independent proposals, and make an impact in both academic and industry circles.

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

To be successful at Level A you will need:

• PhD in Plasma Physics/High Energy Density Physics/ Laser Physics/ Laser Engineering.
• Knowledge about diagnostics and delivery of high intensity/high energy laser radiation.
• Advanced analytical research skills, fundamental knowledge of plasma physics theory.
• Experience in undertaking high quality academic research and conduct research with limited supervision.
• Exemplary personal qualities fully aligned with our institutional values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery.

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

To be successful at Level B you will need:

• PhD in Plasma Physics/High Energy Density Physics/ Laser Physics/ Laser Engineering.
• Knowledge about diagnostics and delivery of high intensity/high energy laser radiation.
• Advanced analytical research skills, fundamental knowledge of plasma physics theory.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of high energy laser Interaction with Matter/ High Power Laser engineering
• Exemplary personal qualities fully aligned with our institutional values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery.

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 position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 28 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 Miftar Ganija
Professor Novel Short & USPL
E: miftar.ganija@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

Download the Position Description Apply now