Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics

UOM University of Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Parental leave & gender affirmation &

Discounts on health insurance

Employee well-being resources

Job summary

The University of Melbourne's School of Physics invites applications for a role leading research in quantum or optical physics while designing and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. You will supervise honours, masters and PhD students and build national and international collaborations, including with ARC Centres and IBM Quantum Hub.

Join a globally recognised research hub within the Faculty of Science, contributing to an inclusive and high-performing research culture and

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in physics or closely related discipline with focus on quantum or optical physics.
• Proven track record in research outputs suitable for career stage.
• Experience with competitive grant applications or building research networks.
• Evidence of effective teaching across undergrad and postgrad levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative research programs in quantum or optical physics with high-impact outputs.
• Design and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including lectures and assessments.
• Supervise honours, Masters and PhD students, ensuring timely completion.
• Build national and international collaborations, including ARC Centres and IBM Quantum Hub.
• Contribute to governance, outreach, and inclusive research culture.

Skills

Research leadership

Teaching & curriculum

Grant applications

Collaboration & networking

Student supervision

Education

PhD in physics or related discipline

Job description

Role type: Full time (1.0 FTE)

Continuing Faculty: Faculty of Science Department/ School: School of Physics

Salary: Level of appointment is subject to qualification and experience Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super Level C: $152,695 - $176,065 pa. plus 17% super

Your next career opportunity

In this role, you will lead research in quantum or optical physics with strong national and international visibility, while also designing engaging curriculum, supervising researchers, and collaborating across ARC Centres to advance transformative quantum technologies.

What you will deliver:

• Lead innovative research programs in quantum or optical physics, producing high impact publications and securing competitive funding.
• Design and deliver high quality undergraduate and postgraduate physics teaching, including lectures, practicals, assessments and subject coordination.
• Supervise and mentor honours, Masters and PhD students, supporting timely completion and strong research outcomes.
• Build active national and international collaborations, including with ARC Centres, IBM Quantum Hub and industry or government partners.
• Contribute to School governance, outreach activities and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and public engagement in physics.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold a PhD in physics or a closely related discipline with focus on quantum or optical physics.
• Demonstrate a strong record of research outputs in relevant fields, commensurate with opportunity and career stage.
• Bring experience securing, or contributing to, competitive research grant applications and building collaborative research networks.
• Provide evidence of effective physics teaching, or strong potential, across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including curriculum development.
• Offer experience supervising research students and supporting an inclusive, safe and high performing research environment.
• Contribute collegially to academic service, outreach activities and cross-disciplinary engagement within and beyond the School.

What we offer you!

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work‑life balance and well‑being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well‑being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – School of Physics

Joining the School of Physics, you will be part of a globally recognised hub for quantum and optical sciences. You will collaborate with leading researchers across ARC Centres of Excellence, the IBM Quantum Hub and key facilities. Based in the Faculty of Science, you will benefit from an inclusive culture, rich partnerships and outstanding support.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process. A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

Applications close: 1 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-014024 - Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics - PD.docx JR-014024 - Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics - PD.pdf

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