Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow - Theoretical/Mathematical Physics of Fundamental Interactions - Faculty of Science

• ­The School of Mathematics and Physics

• Join a university ranked in the world’s top 50

• This is a full-time, 2-year, Academic Level A or B postdoc position.

• The expected starting date is in the second half of 2024.

• The successful candidate will collaborate with an international team on topics such as quantum field theory, string theory, supersymmetry, supergravity, and related fields.

• Become part of a dynamic international network of scientists dedicated to advancing the field of Theoretical/Mathematical Physics of Fundamental Interactions.

• Based at St Lucia Campus location

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

About This Opportunity 

This position is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project, "Reaching new frontiers of quantum fields and gravity through deformations." The project is designed around three interconnected aims:

1. To decipher new solvable deformations of quantum field theories. Use these to construct innovative links with non-local quantum field theories and quantum gravity.

2. To construct new deformations of supergravity, including higher-derivative ones. Use them to solve quantum-corrected low-energy string theory and understand its geometrical structures.

3. To pioneer new holographic dualities between quantum field and gravity theories based on solvable and higher-derivative deformations to tackle long-standing open problems in string theory.

The project is led by Dr Gabriele Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli at the University of Queensland together with Jock McOrist (University of New England), Peter Bouwknegt (Australian National University), Savdeep Sethi (University of Chicago), and Alessandro Sfondrini (Padova University) as associate investigators. Under the supervision of Dr Gabriele Tartaglino Mazzucchelli at UQ, and in collaboration with the other four investigators mentioned above, the successful candidate will merge a vibrant international network of scientists possessing complementary expertise on, e.g., supersymmetry, supergravity, string theory, integrable models, solvable (TTbar) deformations of quantum field theories, conformal field theories, holographic (AdS/CFT) dualities, geometry and dualities in string theory.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research

• Develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile. More specifically, work on the development of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project "Reaching new frontiers of quantum fields and gravity through deformations" of Dr Gabriele Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli, Dr Jock McOrist, Prof Peter Bouwknegt, Prof Savdeep Sethi, and Prof Alessandro Sfondrini.

• Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing in high-quality research journals.

• Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.

• Work with colleagues to develop joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.

• Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance .

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years at Academic Level A or Academic Level B commensurate with relevant qualifications and experience. As this role is covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases – at least once a year.

The Level A full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $75,808.68 - $100,926.59, plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be up to $88,696.16 - $118,084.11 annually. 

The Level B full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $106,079.67 - $125,687.99 plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be up to $124,113.21- $147,054.95 annually. 

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You  

Level A:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in theoretical and/or mathematical physics of fundamental interactions.

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of quantum field theory, General Relativity, and string theory. Preferable working expertise in various of the following topics: supersymmetry, supergravity, superspaces, string theory, integrable models, solvable (TTbar) deformations of quantum field theories, conformal field theories, holographic (AdS/CFT) dualities, black holes physics, geometry and dualities in string theory.

• Demonstrated high-level analytical and computational skills.

• A developing track record of high-impact papers in the discipline of this application.

• Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

In addition to Level A, Level B:

• Development of international leadership in the discipline relevant to this position through a demonstrated record of high-impact papers over a sustained period since the conclusion of the PhD and presentations at national and international conferences.

• Demonstrated contribution or leadership to funding applications or other external research support mechanisms, consistent with discipline norms.

• A developing track record of achievement in supervision outcomes and the management of researcher development.

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We will support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here .

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Gabriele Tartaglino Mazzucchelli via [email protected] . For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

 Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• A Curriculum Vitae with your list of publications and the email contact of at least two Referees.

• A research statement.

• Cover letter addressing the About You section.

Other Information 

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion .  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in the broader community, whether that be gender identity , LGBTQIA+ , cultural and/or linguistic , Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples , or people with a disability . Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected] .

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.

Applications close on Monday 19 February 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-34592)