Postdoctoral Researcher

(Level A) $78,544 to $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% Superannuation applies.

Fixed-term, full-time position for 3 years.

A highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher – Chemistry or Material Science position is available within the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Centre of Excellence: The ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS). Working in the Microcomb science and Technology Theme, the team will work towards the creation of microcombs at new wavelengths, generating ultimately a microcomb platform that covers the full optical spectrum from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared region for the specific requirements in the other Themes.

This position is suitable for anyone with a master's degree in Chemistry or Materials Science with a PhD or an equivalent degree in Physics, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will work as part of the Photonics Materials & Optical Fibres research group at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) within the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences (PCES) to make significant contributions to the development of microcombs by collaborating closely with Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem and collaborating COMBS Chief Investigators across Australia to:

• Use knowledge in rare earth doped glasses and high-nonlinearity materials for the glass platform for generating frequency combs at new wavelengths in the UV and mid-infrared spectral regions.
• Develop fluoride glass compositions providing high transparency and gain at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths and work with collaborators to realise direct laser-written photonic chips using these materials.
• Integrate 2D materials with the glass chips for laser mode-locking and microcomb broadening and manipulation.
• Create new interfacing approaches linking doped glass platforms with planar integrated photonics to create new and robust hybrid integrated photonic chip systems.
• Contribute to other Themes within COMBS

The successful candidate is expected to work on these specific project aspects while gaining valuable research experience in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

The School of PCES is part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), which is one of three faculties at the University of Adelaide. SET comprises 12 schools, 21 centres and 5 institutes and is responsible for the needs of over 8,500 students and has an annual budget of $300 million. The Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines across Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Architecture, Biology, Physics, Agriculture, Food and Wine and Animal Science. It aims to create an innovative agile working environment which is recognised for leadership in teaching, research, and global engagement.

IPAS has an annual research budget of more than $15M p.a., a membership of more than 250 people, and is headquartered in a $100M bespoke research building on the CBD campus of the University of Adelaide. IPAS has a rare combination of glass science and optical fibre fabrication research facilities and expertise which has enabled the realisation of fibres with unique and novel properties. IPAS has also a range of optical diagnostic and precision manufacturing equipment including 3D metal and glass printing and a 5-axis CNC mill with ultrasonic mode. Equally important, IPAS provides strategic grants support, business development support and facility management through a high-performing and professional team. IPAS works to create new lasers and sensors that stimulate the creation of new industries and improve productivity in existing industries.

To be successful you will need;

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in physics, chemistry, material science or a related discipline.
• A commitment to research excellence
• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
  • Design and formulation of new glass compositions with desired properties
  • Familiarity with rare earth doping and its impact on optical properties
  • Treatment and characterisation of material surfaces
  • Compositional and structural analysis of chemicals, materials and surfaces
  • Familiarity with laser operation principles
• Demonstrated publication track record in leading scientific journals and conferences, or equivalent for industry researchers
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with professional and industry bodies, government, and members of the community
• Good organisational and time management skills, including willingness to follow and agreed project plan and meet realistic milestones
• Ability to engage with industry partners and manage deliverables

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

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Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

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If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, a resume, and a document of your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as listed above and contained in the selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 4 June 2024.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem

Deputy Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS)

Director of the Optofab Adelaide Hub of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF)

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You'll find a full position description and selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.

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