MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation. You will drive research on quantum algorithms for challenging combinatorial problems, collaborating with MathQuEST researchers and partners, and developing an independent academic profile.

You will co-supervise students, engage with industry partners, and contribute to scholarly outputs and grant proposals while exploring quantum optimisation across a broad research program.

Qualifications

• Completed or near completed PhD in mathematical optimisation, quantum optimisation, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing, analysing and implementing quantum algorithms for discrete optimisation problems.
• Strong publication record with a clear ambition to build an academic research career.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research on quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation within MathQuEST.
• Collaborate with MathQuEST researchers, partners, and Melbourne’s quantum ecosystem to develop an independent research profile.
• Co-supervise and mentor postgraduate and junior research staff, fostering inclusive, collaborative environments.
• Design, analyse and implement novel quantum algorithms and publish in leading journals.
• Engage with seminars, conferences, outreach and industry partners to disseminate findings and build collaborations.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Discrete optimisation

Mathematical optimisation

Education

PhD in mathematical optimisation or quantum optimisation

Job description

Role type: Full-time or part-time; Fixed-term (4 years) Faculty: Science School: School of Mathematics and Statistics Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (PhD entry level $110,319 p.a.) plus 17% super

Build improved approaches to quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation / a brand-new ARC Centre of Excellence uniting 9 Australian universities and global partners / build an independent academic trajectory

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity You will drive cutting-edge research on quantum algorithms for challenging combinatorial optimisation problems within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security & Trust (MathQuEST). Collaborating with MathQuEST researchers and partners, and Melbourne’s quantum ecosystem, develop an independent research profile while mentoring students and engaging industry partners.

MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation Postdoctoral position at the University of Melbourne to undertake research on quantum optimisation as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security & Trust (MathQuEST), under the guidance of Dr Lindon Roberts and Prof Kate Smith-Miles in collaboration with Chief Investigators across the Centre.

MathQuEST is an Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence led by Professor Nalini Joshi. Funded over seven years, the Centre brings nine collaborating Australian universities: The University of Sydney, Adelaide University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Australia, and University of Wollongong. The Centre’s partner network comprises world-leading companies, universities, government, and professional bodies across 10 countries. A full list of partners is available on our website: https://mathquest.org.au/.

The MathQuEST vision is to undertake transformational interdisciplinary research founded on mathematics that will underpin new algorithms to protect our future, empower discovery, and increase trust in an age that will be shaped by quantum computers. Its core mission is to do so by creating a high-quality, inclusive and collaborative research culture to grow a mathematically trained, technologically agile workforce that will support Australia’s sovereign capability.

All members of the Centre will have the opportunity to develop communication skills, participate in outreach, and receive mentoring and training to engage with society and industry at all levels. The Centre will be grounded in a culture of inclusion, diversity, and engagement of talented people at all levels, to cultivate discovery. MathQuEST supports a flexible, family-friendly working environment.

Subject to visa restrictions, this opportunity is available as either a full-time or part-time position. This position, based at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, is for 4 years and is aimed at build improved approaches to quantum algorithms in a broad sense, investigating both modelling and algorithmic advances.

What you will deliver:

• Advance MathQuEST’s research programme on quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation.
• Design, analyse and implement novel quantum algorithms, producing high-quality publications in leading optimisation and quantum journals.
• Contribute to grant proposals, research reports and other scholarly outputs, supporting external and internal funding opportunities.
• Co-supervise and mentor postgraduate and junior research staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive research environment.
• Engage with seminars, conferences, outreach and industry partners to disseminate findings and build strategic collaborations.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near completed PhD in mathematical optimisation, quantum optimisation, or a closely related discipline.
• Bring demonstrated experience developing, analysing and implementing quantum algorithms for discrete optimisation problems.
• Maintain a strong, emerging publication record and clear ambition to build an academic research career.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence presenting research to varied audiences.
• Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, engaging positively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and institutions.
• Manage research projects with limited supervision, meeting deadlines and balancing competing priorities with strong organisation.

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, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause 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

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The School of Mathematics and Statistics

A globally recognised mathematical sciences community within the Faculty of Science, based at the University of Melbourne. The School hosts ARC Centres of Excellence, major training centres, and international collaborations across optimisation and quantum science. MathQuEST’s interdisciplinary network, supported by the IBM Quantum Hub, creates a dynamic environment for impactful quantum-era research careers.

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.

Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

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].

Applications close: 8 December, 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-020003 MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation_PD.pdf JR-020003 MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation_PD.docx