Research Associate (Astrophotonics)

Job no:516826
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Science, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

• Contribute to cutting edge research in high-resolution quantum imaging
• Level A, full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years
• Base salary range: $76,686 - $103,202 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

The Astrophotonics Group at International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is focused on designing, building, and testing advanced photonic systems with applications in radio astronomy, optical astronomy, and space science.

The group combines research expertise from people with a broad range of backgrounds including astronomy, physics, and engineering. The group’s core technological capability is the long-distance transfer of stabilised optical-frequency signals, microwave-frequency signals, and timing signals, transmitted across optical fibre networks and free-space laser links.

About the opportunity

In this position, you will conduct research on quantum imaging systems. This work includes office-based research, laboratory experiments, telescope observations, and application of quantum information theory directed towards developing large-scale quantum interferometers for astronomical applications. You will work in the Astrophotonics group at ICRAR-UWA and collaborate with other partner organisations including the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).

Under the supervision of Dr David Gozzard, you will be based at the ICRAR headquarters at the beautiful Matilda Bay campus of UWA. Perth (Western Australia) is listed as one of the world's most liveable cities and offers an excellent ocean-side lifestyle.

About you 

You will conduct research aimed at demonstrating quantum interferometers over long baselines for applications in astronomical imaging. The ideal applicant will demonstrate competency in a mix of experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum imaging, or closely related fields.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• PhD (or soon to be submitted) in physics, engineering, or related discipline
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • optical or quantum metrology
  • experimental and/or theoretical quantum optics or quantum information
  • experimental fibre or free-space optics, particularly optical interferometry
• Experience with high-quality supervision of Masters and PhD students
• Experience with programming and simulation in Python or MATLAB, or programming in hardware description languages for FPGAs, an advantage

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Associate Astrophotonics 516826.pdf  

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria .

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Thursday, 21 March 2024

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr David Gozzard at [email protected]

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Advertised:22 Feb 2024 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:21 Mar 2024 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time