PhD Scholarship

• Department of Optical Sciences Centre
• Location: Swinburne, Hawthorn, VIC and Infleqtion Australia
• Stipend: $41,650 (plus allowances)

About the Scholarship

Ready to shape the future of quantum technology? Swinburne University is offering an exciting PhD Scholarship opportunity for exceptional candidates eager to explore quantum technology and advanced manufacturing.

The successful candidate will join Swinburne’s Dysprosium Quantum Gas Microscope Lab, collaborating with the Advanced Manufacturing team and an industry partner to develop 3D-printed ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) cells for portable quantum applications. Key responsibilities include selecting appropriate metals and manufacturing processes, producing and testing samples, and designing custom UHV cells. An industry placement is part of the role. The candidate will also actively participate in completing the quantum gas apparatus. Ideal candidates should have a background in physics or engineering, with a keen interest in 3D printing and vacuum systems. This position offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with both industry and academic experts.

Administered by CSIRO, the Australian Government-supported Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program (NGQGP) offers competitive scholarships to train future quantum technology specialists. Leveraging university resources and industry partnerships, cohorts of students tackle real-world research challenges. Scholarship holders will be enrolled at the Swinburne University of Technology and collaborate with Infleqtion Australia to develop innovative solutions.
Project Background

The rapid progress in quantum technology is set to transform industries like communication and navigation, with cold atoms showing great promise for enhanced precision and reliability. However, ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) conditions are crucial for this potential to be realised, and traditional UHV systems' size and immobility present significant challenges. Our project tackles these issues by developing miniaturised, 3D-printed UHV chambers and components, enabling the practical deployment of cold atom-based quantum devices. This initiative advances the field by streamlining the production of compact, custom-designed quantum devices suitable for various industry applications.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be domestic students as per the Higher Education Support Act 2003 at the time of award. Domestic students include:
1.    Australian citizens,
2.    Australian permanent residents,
3.    A person entitled to stay in Australia, or to enter and stay in Australia, without any limitation as to time, or
4.    New Zealand citizens.

About you 
To be successful in the role, you will have:
•    A Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
•    Meet Swinburne PhD admission requirements
•    Must be a domestic student
•    Background knowledge in atomic, quantum and optical physics and vacuum technologies relevant to the project
•    Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain high standards of precision in experimental work

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description. 

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and be proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research so that:

•    Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
•    Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
•    Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
•    Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position.  

For further information about this position, contact Sascha Hoinka at [email protected]

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]  

Applications Close: Saturday, 31st August 2024, at 11pm. 

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Equity and Diversity 
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives.  For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website .

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

For any support please contact [email protected] or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)

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