Australian Bureau Of Meteorology | 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 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, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You We are looking to employ multiple Postdoctoral Research Fellows with a diverse range of expertise across areas including cavity optomechanics, nanophotonics, optical and/or optomechanical sensing, silicon photonics, superfluid helium research, and quantum optics. You should be experienced in one or more of these areas, or enthusiastic to learn!
This includes:
Completion or near completion of a PhD.
An emerging/growing profile in research.
Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at conferences.
Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
Additional for Level B appointment:
A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
Experience in micro- and nano-fabrication, cryogenics, vacuum systems, and radio frequency test, control and measurement, would also be highly valued.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.
Work Rights: Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment.
Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Warwick Bowen via
For application queries, please contact 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:
Resume
Cover letter addressing the 'About You' section
Applicants are requested to specify in their Cover Letter which of the identified research topics within the field of optomechanical sensing they are most interested in and would like to be considered for.
Other Information 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.
We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close 13 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45671). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early to mid February 2025.
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