• Full time 3 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Chemistry
• Opportunity to make valuable contributions to research in Quantum Algorithms
• Base Salary Level A/B $95,047 p.a. - $110,856p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Quantum Algorithms for Chemical Dynamics) to undertake research on chemical applications of quantum computing under the supervision of Associate Professor Ivan Kassal (https://www.kassal.group).

Chemistry and materials science are among the most promising applications of quantum computation, especially using near-term quantum devices. The successful candidate will work with Associate Professor Kassal to rigorously benchmark the performance of digital quantum algorithms for simulating chemical dynamics, develop new ones, and identify chemical reactions that are most promising for early demonstrations of quantum advantage. Our goal is to identify the best algorithms for the hardest problems in chemistry, so that we can take maximum advantage of early quantum computers.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake theoretical and computational research at the interface of quantum information science and theoretical chemistry
• disseminate research results through publications and conference presentations
• contribute to research planning, project management, and grant writing
• mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students
• establish and maintain external collaborations
• carry out limited administrative functions, such as maintaining supercomputer accounts.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney is a leading Chemistry department in the country, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research. Our more than 30 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students conduct research across the full spectrum of pure and applied chemistry. Our research excellence is recognised by numerous prizes and awards to individual staff members and the award of over $7 million in research funding each year. With the support of over 30 professional, technical and administrative staff, the School of Chemistry administers and delivers undergraduate teaching for about 2500 students. We are committed to creating a diverse workplace by improving equity, access and opportunity, and we are continuously working to identify and remove biases and barriers in an effort to make our workplace open, supportive and safe for everyone.

To learn more about the School of Chemistry, click here.

You will also have access to the rich quantum ecosystem in Sydney and in Australia. The University of Sydney hosts a node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems and is a member of the Sydney Quantum Academy, along with three other Sydney universities. You will have opportunities to collaborate with theorists and experimentalists across all of these networks, as well as with our collaborators in industry.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow (Quantum Algorithms for Chemical Dynamics) who has:

• a PhD (or near completion) in physics, chemistry, computer science, or a related field
• experience in theoretical or computational techniques in one or more of the following areas: design and analysis of quantum algorithms, quantum simulation, quantum dynamics, chemical dynamics (esp. non-adiabatic photochemistry, strong fields, or high-precision spectroscopy)
• demonstrated ability to conduct research under limited supervision
• a track record of disseminating significant research results through publications and presentations
• demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to contribute to long-term research goals
• excellent communication (written and verbal), organisational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

The commencement level will be determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, and knowledge.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Helen Efstathiou, Recruitment Consultant. Recruitment Operations, Human Resources on +61 2 8627 7137 or by email recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 13 July 2022 11:59 PM