Combs Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrocombs

Prime opportunity to join the ARC Centre of Excellence
Fulltime or part-time, 3-year fixed term position at our Hawthorn campus
Academic Level A salary + 17% super
About the Role
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) is seeking a dedicated researcher to conduct original research on characterising and calibrating astronomical spectrographs using astrocombs. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Michael Murphy in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) at Swinburne University of Technology. The role is to lead investigations into the optimal use of various comb light sources, such as laser frequency combs, to enable groundbreaking scientific measurements, including the direct measurement of the universe's expansion through redshift drift observations of distant quasars.
The appointee will be expected to publish research findings in international refereed journals, present at conferences, and mentor students at various academic levels, including co-supervising undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students.
Swinburne recognises the importance of providing career development and offers promotion opportunities for fixed-term staff.
About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have the following qualities:
A strong record, relative to opportunity, of research achievement and timely, high-quality publication and presentations
Demonstrated evidence of self-directed research ability
Independent and collaborative research skills
**Preferred (but not essential) qualities**:
Experience in spectroscopy, particularly optical, high-resolution spectroscopy
Scientific computing proficiency, including custom coding experience

**Qualifications**:
A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, photonics, optical instrumentation or a closely related field and/or equivalent relevant experience is required to undertake this role. Applicants must have submitted their PhD thesis for examination before commencing this role and expect to obtain their PhD shortly thereafter.
About the ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
Optical frequency combs hold remarkable promise for reshaping the realms of precision measurements, high-speed communication, sensing, and astronomical discovery. Recent advances in nanofabrication make it possible to miniaturise bulky optical and electronic systems onto microchips, thus streamlining the production and reducing costs. This emerging microcomb technology holds the key to unlocking the full potential of optical frequency combs. By joining COMBS, you will play an important role in developing these microcomb technologies to transform science and society.
COMBS is a large dynamic, diverse and inclusive community that spans across Australia and beyond. As a member of COMBS, you will have the opportunity to work with other COMBS scientists within the eight Australian Universities network, take advantage of internships with industry and our many international partners in Europe, Asia and the US. There will be many opportunities for learning through workshops, technology translation and entrepreneurship bootcamps, and access to top photonics scientists. COMBS values equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, and we recognise the importance of intersectionality. We are committed to creating an environment that embraces and harnesses these intersections to do the best science we can. We invite you to join us to become part of the diverse and inclusive COMBS community.
About the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS)
CAS is one of Australia's largest astronomy research centres, with 25 academic staff, 22 postdoctoral researchers and 45 PhD students. Swinburne is a partner of the W.M. Keck Observatory, two other ARC Centres of Excellence - OzGrav, which is hosted in CAS, and Dark Matter Particle Physics - and houses the OzStar and Ngarrgu Tindebeek supercomputers.
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a mild climate and many cultural and sporting events. Mountains, ocean and wine growing regions are easily accessible. CAS is located in the diverse inner suburb of Hawthorn with excellent public transport connections.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university - one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

- Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
- Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
- Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
- Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.
To Apply
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