(Level A/B) $102,024 to $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.
Fixed-term full-time position for 3 years.
The Adelaide Node of the ARC Centre for Excellence for Gravitational Wave Detection (OzGrav) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop new instrumentation and techniques that ensure quantum enhancements of the world's most sensitive detectors realize their full potential.
We are seeking a Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate who will contribute to one or more of our current research projects as part of a dynamic multi-faceted team that explores the development of current and next-generation gravitational wave detectors (GWD), including the LIGO detectors.
Current projects include the development of wavefront sensors and actuators for improved laser-beam mode control in GWD, including a new facility for full-aperture testing of advanced thermal compensation schemes; advanced numerical simulation and analysis tools; improved opto-mechanical sensors for current GWD; high-precision measurement of optical absorption and birefringence in low-loss materials and optical coatings; and new IR laser technologies.
You will also mentor graduate students and guide their research projects in collaboration with other post-doctoral researchers and the group leaders. Mentoring and professional development opportunities will also be available as part of your membership of the OzGrav Centre of Excellence.
The position includes collaboration with our national and international partners, and the opportunity to participate in on-site and remote commissioning of the LIGO gravitational wave detectors, and to present your work at national and international conferences. You will also enjoy the benefits of being a member of OzGrav and Adelaide Universities Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS)
To be successful you will need:
- PhD (or thesis submitted) or equivalent experience in experimental laser physics, photonics, optics, optical engineering and/or optical sensing.
- A commitment to research excellence.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team in a complex setting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
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 the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.
Applications close 11:55pm, 27 October 2025, or until position is filled.
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 either:
Peter Veitch David Ottoway
Professor, Department of Physics Professor, Department of Physics
P: +61 (8) 8313 4270 P: +61 (8) 8313 4270
E: peter.veitch@adelaide.edu.au E: david.ottaway@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.
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