Research Associate - Physics

UNSW; Canberra; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation (17%)

Job summary

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney invites applications for a 18-month fixed-term, full-time role to advance ARC Discovery Project work on plasmonic nano-tweezers with quantum sensing using nitrogen-vacancy centres. The role blends nanofabrication, optical instrumentation design, and near-field photonics.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline and demonstrate strong independent research capabilities, with a track record of publications and collaboration across

Qualifications

• PhD in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience with nanofabrication techniques for nanophotonic structures and devices.
• Experience building custom optical instrumentation with computer interfacing for microscopy applications.
• Biological assays experience is desirable.
• Commitment to keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team in collaborative research to enhance research outcomes.
• Conduct research and enable scholarly output recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research projects under guidance of a research leader and contribute to activities.
• Disseminate research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities (surveys, reviews, data gathering).
• Present at conferences/workshops as required.
• Assist with supervision of research students where required.
• Develop experimental instrumentation for nanoscale optical trapping with diamond-based sensing.

Skills

PhD in related discipline

Nanofabrication techniques

Custom optical instrumentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Publications/conference track record

Education

PhD in a related discipline

Tools

Nanofabrication tools

Optical instrumentation software

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

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. UNSW is an international leader in quantum computing research and hosts the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

This position supports an ARC Discovery Project, working in collaboration with groups at the University of Melbourne, to develop strategies for the integration of plasmonic nano-tweezers with quantum sensing using near-surface nitrogen-vacancy defect centres. The project is largely experimental in nature and will include elements of nanofabrication, optical instrumentation design, and optical modelling.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 18 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• 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.
• Develop experimental instrumentation for incorporating nanoscale optical trapping with diamond-based quantum sensing.
• Use cleanroom techniques to design and fabricate nano-structured photonic devices suitable for near-field trapping.
• Perform assays to quantify the magnetic response of optically trapped objects, including single proteins.
• 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.

About The Successful Applicant

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Experience in the use of nanofabrications techniques for creating nanophotonic structures and devices.
• Experience with building custom optical instrumentation with computer interfacing for microscopy applications.
• Experience conducting biological assays is desirable.
• Prven 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Contact

Peter Reece

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: October 26th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).