Postdoctoral Fellow - Superconducting Quantum Devices in Manchester

One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities. Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion. At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The School of Physics is one of the leading Physics schools in Australia. It offers a world class undergraduate physics degree, as well as a postgraduate PhD research program for over 50 students. 33 academic staff conduct theoretical and experimental research in quantum physics, astrophysics, fundamental physics; and condensed matter physics.

The Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A or B) is expected to design, fabricate and conduct testing of superconducting devices at cryogenic temperatures. This position will develop fabrication processes for scalable manufacturing of such superconducting qubits, amplifiers, and detectors and is part of the ARC Industrial Training and Transformation Centre for Future Leaders in Quantum Computing. The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to contribute to team research, as well as student training within the field.

Level A – ($113k - $121k) Level B – ($127k – $150k) - plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading. Fixed Term – 2 years. Full-time (35 hours per week). The role reports to Dr. Maja Cassidy and has no direct reports.

Specific Responsibilities

• LEVEL A: Conduct research on superconducting quantum devices, independently and as part of a team, including leading some areas of the project where the opportunity arises and where appropriate.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Help produce safe work procedures, risk assessments and other safety documentation for laboratory equipment and tasks relevant to the project.
• Train and certify students and staff on laboratory equipment relevant to the project.
• Develop fabrication processes and assist with the fabrication of superconducting quantum devices.
• Conduct microwave measurements of superconducting devices at extremely low (millikelvin) temperatures.
• Develop processes to enable high-yield and high-throughput production of superconducting quantum devices.
• Develop and apply custom-built software to control measurement instruments and to analyse experimental data.
• Operate and maintain dilution refrigerators.
• Operate, maintain and possibly help to install other closed-cycle (e.g. 1.5 Kelvin) cryostats.
• Develop measurement protocols to characterise the performance of superconducting devices.
• Coordinate activities with external (including industrial) collaborators/partners on the project.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

• LEVEL B: (in addition to the above) Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as a member of a team (as per the norms of the discipline).
• Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.
• Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Participate as co-investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications, or show evidence of active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.
• Design research projects.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues and develop the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs (as per the norms of the discipline).

Selection Criteria

• LEVEL A: PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related area.
• Demonstrated track record in the operation of quantum devices/quantum hardware, especially at microwave frequencies and millikelvin temperatures.
• Demonstrated track record in the fabrication and/or operation of superconducting quantum devices.
• Demonstrated track record of performing measurements on quantum devices and characterisation of their performance.
• Demonstrated track record of operating dilution refrigerators and variable temperature insert (1.5 Kelvin) systems.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

• LEVEL B (in addition to the above): Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Demonstrated ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.

Application Details

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Maja Cassidy E: maja.cassidy@unsw.edu.au Applications close: February 16th, 2025.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments
• Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Find Out More About Working At UNSW

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.