Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics

• Full time, 1 year fixed term, with the possibility of extension depending on the research outcome
• Located on the Camperdown Campus in the Sydney Nanoscience Hub - a purpose-built laboratory facility for quantum science
• Opportunity to contribute to world-class collaborative research focused on quantum computation using trapped ions
• Academic Level A/B. Base Salary $101,507 - $140,586 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking a Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics for a physics-chemistry multidisciplinary research program focused on quantum simulations of chemical dynamics using trapped ions. This position is open for both experimentalists and theorists. The research will be collaboratively performed with the trapped-ion experimental group at the School of Physics and the theoretical chemistry group at the School of Chemistry.

The Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney is focused on experimental studies of quantum control, quantum computation, metrology, and quantum simulation using trapped ions. The lab is a part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS), a collaboration of five major Australian universities focused on fundamental and applied research in quantum physics and engineering. In addition, the lab is funded by the US Army Research Office (ARO), the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the US Air Force of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Furthermore, the University is part of the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA). You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with local and external partners supported by major international projects, including cutting-edge industrial partners such as quantum technology startup Q-CTRL. Details of recent publications and ongoing research projects are available at https://quantum.sydney.edu.au/

The project will focus on developing protocols experimentally and/or theoretically to perform analog quantum simulations of chemical dynamics with a chain of ions trapped in a Paul trap. The work will build on a novel mixed-qudit-boson (MQB) theoretical framework and successful proof-of-principle experimental demonstrations realized at the Quantum Control Laboratory. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of activities through collaboration with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior research leaders on topics that include:

• develop novel classical-quantum interface and quantum control protocols to implement robust light-atom interactions.
• advancing novel experimental protocols for qudit- and bosonic-based quantum computations.
• developing resource-efficient quantum characterisation, verification, and validation by leveraging insights from the fields of robotic control and machine learning.
• exploring new techniques in the control and measurement of strongly interacting multi-dimensional quantum systems by leveraging insights from atomic and quantum physics
• developing novel measurement protocols to employ quantum technology for tests of fundamental physics.

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

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 Research Fellow /Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• a PhD (or near completion) in Physics or equivalent in a relevant field
• proven ability to lead projects and deliver major research outcomes
• evidence of proficiency at oral and written communication
• evidence of independent contributions to scientific or technical outcomes
• experience in one or more of the following areas will be desired: ion trapping, atomic physics, light-atom interactions, and quantum control
• candidates with theoretical backgrounds are welcome, as long as the candidate can demonstrate familiarity with experimental techniques and applications.

To be eligible for this role you must be able to demonstrate your experience in one or more of the following areas:

• ion trapping
• atomic physics
• light-atom interactions
• quantum simulation
• quantum computation
• quantum control

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

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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 that can describe your experience in developing and/or leading research projects to successful completion) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Chris Masaoka, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:59 PM