Postdoctoral / Research Fellows – Optomechanical Sensing and Applications

• The School of Mathematics and Physics

• Queensland Quantum Optics Laboratory

• Multiple Full-time, fixed-term positions for up to 2 years

• Academic Level A / Level B

• Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Queensland Quantum Optics Laboratory, led by Professor Warwick Bowen, and to pursue research at the frontier of optomechanical sensing. Optomechanical sensors enable exquisitely precise sensing by exploiting the combination of high-quality optical and mechanical resonances in photonic devices fabricated on a silicon chip. Our laboratory has pioneered their development and applications, including the first optomechanical magnetic, acoustic and superfluid sensors, as well as optomechanical single molecule sensors. Our research in the area is often published in high profile journals, including Science, Nature Photonics, Nature Physics, etc.

We are looking for up to six Postdoctoral Research Fellows / Research Fellows to drive future applications of optomechanical sensing. The research is part of a major new initiative to bring optomechanical sensing into areas including biomedical imaging, navigation, molecular bioscience, and sports tech. Application areas that you would have the opportunity to contribute to, should you join us, include:

• Biomagnetic imaging of the brain, heart, limbs and fluids (MEG, MRI, NMR, etc)

• Turbulence and quantised vortex dynamics in superfluid helium

• Fundamental quantum limits of optomechanical sensors

• Sensing and control of the dynamics of protein molecules

• Inertial and magnetic sensing for navigation, aerospace and geological surveying.

Research within the initiative will be undertaken with partners including the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, NASA Glenn Laboratories, Orica, Advanced Navigation, Australian Defence, the Australian Institute of Sport, and the Queensland Brain Institute.

Key responsibilities include: 

Research

• Undertake experimental research at the frontier of optomechanical sensing with other researchers in the University of Queensland Quantum Optics Laboratory and with our partners 

• Produce and publish high quality research outputs at the frontier of optomechanical sensing

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

• Contribute to the translation of research outputs towards applications, including commercialisation (as appropriate)

• Contribute to the effective supervision and researcher development of Honours, Masters and PhD students (as appropriate).

Additional for Level B appointment:

• Develop an independent and/or team research program to achieve international recognition and impact in the area of optomechanical sensing.

• Participate in or contribute in the capacity of a chief investigator (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities

• Effectively supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students.

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

About UQ

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 researc