Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 4 years
Academic Level A / Level B
Based at our St Lucia campus location
This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the research program of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre on Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech). The role will contribute to the integrated photonics and cold atoms research program within QuTech. You will work co-supervise the HDR students of QuTech and work closely with QuTech's industry partners (Quandela and Infleqtion). An ideal start date would be April 2026, with some flexibility for the right candidate.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research
Conduct research and develop research program in experimental, integrated quantum photonics and atom systems
Establish capability to design, fabricate, characterise, and test on-chip quantum devices
Produces quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.
Present the results of their research at international and national conferences
Participate in the academic life of the School of Mathematics and Physics, including giving talks at seminars and regular group meetings
Collaborate with colleagues and postgraduates in the development and execution of joint research projects
Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.
In addition to the above, level B will:
Take a senior role in producing high-quality research outputs
Participate in or contribute as chief investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities, which includes actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding.
To view the Position Description in full, please email talent@uq.edu.au
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
As part of the UQ community, you will 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.
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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Applicants will have (or be in the process of obtaining) a PhD in Physics, in areas related to Photonics, Atomic Systems, or Quantum Engineering
Strong background and demonstrated ability to carry out research in Photonics, Atomic Systems, or Quantum Engineering with high-level theoretical and experimental skills
Experimental experience (fabrication, testing) in one or more of the following platforms: silicon-on-insulator, silicon nitride, lithium niobate, silicon carbide, silica
Demonstrated research quality and creativity evidenced by highly-cited publications (relative to publication year) in leading international peer-reviewed journals
Demonstrated ability to conduct research both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Demonstrated capacity to supervise research postgraduate and honours students
High-level of verbal and written communication skills (together with their CV, the applicant is invited to submit a sample of their scientific writing, something they are most proud of)
High level interpersonal skills including ability to interact well with colleagues, staff, and students
In addition to the above, level B will have:
Demonstrated capacity to take chief investigator role in applications for external research funds
A growing profile in research in the discipline area.
A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
Evidence of seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.
Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Jacqui Romero via m.romero@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section
A sample of written research work that you are most proud of
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close January 23 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58208). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early February 2026.