Postdoctoral Fellow

UNSW; Berlin; On-site; EUR 74,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW in Australia is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) to contribute to superconducting materials research using an MBE-STM system and other device fabrication instruments. The project aims to develop superconducting quantum sensors based on emerging quantum materials.

The role involves independent or collaborative research, supervision of students, and dissemination of findings, with a focus on high-quality scholarly output and adherence to UNSW values.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Materials Science and Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research with limited supervision.
• Expertise in Cryogenic Measurement & Instrumentation, Quantum & Mesoscopic Devices, Nanofabrication & Device Integration, and Scanning Probe techniques: STM, AFM, MFM.
• Proven publication and conference record relative to opportunity.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance research outcomes.
• Conduct research and enable teams to create scholarly outputs recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research projects under guidance of a research leader.
• Support dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering.
• Participate in/contribute to conferences and workshops as required.
• Assist with supervision of research students in the research area.
• Provide maintenance of the MBE-STM facility.
• Align with UNSW’s Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with health and safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Cryogenic Measurement

Quantum Devices

Nanofabrication

Device Integration

Scanning Probe Techniques

STM

AFM

MFM

MBE-STM

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

MBE-STM system

Scanning probe instruments

Cryogenic measurement equipment

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

This Job is based in Australia

• 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 Materials Science and Engineering is one of the top ranked Materials programs in the Asia-Pacific regions and strongly positioned in every facet of materials science and engineering. It offers undergraduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering (Honours), as well as a number of combined degree programs with Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Commerce.

The Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) is expected to contribute to research on superconducting materials using a Molecular Beam Epitaxy and Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (MBE-STM) system and other device fabrication instruments. The aim of the project is to develop superconducting quantum sensors based on emerging quantum materials.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• 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.
• Provide maintenance of the MBE-STM facility.
• 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

(selection criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven 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 expertise in following fields: Cryogenic Measurement & Instrumentation, Quantum & Mesoscopic Devices, Nanofabrication & Device Integration, and Scanning probe techniques: STM, AFM, MFM, etc.
• 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.

Applications close: October 26th, 2026

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

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

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Contact: Zhi Li

E: [e-mail]