Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Guidestar Lasers for the Space Industry (Level A/B)

• Work with leading academics and researchers
• Build your academic networks
• Competitive salary and benefits

The Role

The MQ Photonics Research Centre and the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University is seeking an experimentalist with expertise in photonics or laser engineering for research in high-power narrow-linewidth diamond lasers. The role is directed towards advancing lasers for sodium beacon guidestar applications for the space industry, but the devices under study are also important in other areas such as quantum engineering and sensing. The position is well suited to those interested in nexus between in academic and industry research, particularly research directed towards end-users in space applications.

About Us

The MQ Photonics Research Centre brings together approximately 50 researchers in areas as diverse as nonlinear optics, quantum photonics, astrophotonics and nanophotonics. The Centre has a focus area in diamond lasers and novel photonic sources, which is funded by government and industry sources.

The Centre offers a mentoring programs for early career researchers while providing opportunities to hone other skills such as outreach, industry engagement, and building international networks. It promotes diversity in all aspects to enhance innovation, outcomes and productivity. Along with other initiatives, the University provides grants to support our members with caring / family responsibilities to participate in professional activities. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena SWAN Program to support gender equity and diversity (Bronze medal status).

The position offered will enable the appointed candidate to interact with Centre and university staff, industry partners and collaborators across Australian and international partners. There will be opportunities to participate in and present at research seminars and conferences, publish research, HDR student supervision and promote research outcomes to the wider community. Opportunities to apply for joint or stand-alone fellowship funding will also be encouraged.

The project is within a collaboration between MQ Photonics, EOS Space Systems Pty Ltd, the European Southern Observatory and the Australian Astronomical Optics that is funded by the Australian Research Council Linkage Project Scheme. The successful applicant will lead experiments in optimizing the frequency properties of diamond lasers operating with the underlying aim to realize advanced diamond-based lasers for sodium beacon adaptive optics applications. The project presents good opportunities for fundamental optics research in nonlinear optics and the translation of outcomes into space communities (space communications and space situational awareness, as well as in astronomy).

To Apply

To be considered for this position please apply online, upload your CV and provide a cover letter (1-2 pages) that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below. If you would like more information about the position, please get in touch with us directly at the email address below.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD or master degree in physics or a related discipline.
• Ability to undertake original and creative experimental research, as evidenced by impactful and high-quality outputs.
• Ability to foster a positive working environment for research students and other team members.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability for analytical thinking and independent problem solving.
• Experience and publication track record in nonlinear optics, lasers or optics research.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in tabletop optical experiments, including high power lasers.
• Experience in nonlinear optical processes such as stimulated Brillouin or Raman scattering, experiment, and modelling.
• Experience in feedback systems and wavelength stabilization.

Salary Package: Level A Step 6 (PhD) from $97,621 to $104,622 per annum or (Level B) from $110,274 to $130,472 per annum plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading.

Appointment Type: Full-time, Fixed term for 2 years with a possibility of further renewal subject to funding.

Enquiries: Professor Richard Mildren at rich.mildren@mq.edu.au

Applications close: Sunday 6 November 2022, AEST at 11:59 pm

Macquarie University’s goal is to increase the proportion of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and diverse peoples of all backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if they may not feel strong on every individual selection criterion. For more information, please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/diversity-inclusion