Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophotonics Research Translation presso University of Sydney

• Full time, fixed term position until 2nd December 2027. Located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Physics

• Exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the leading Physics departments in Australia

• Base Salary Level A, $109,263- $116,916 p.a + 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney’s School of Physics is welcoming applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophotonics Research Translation to join the Sydney Astrophotonic Instrumentation Laboratory's groundbreaking SAIL-NEXUS initiative. SAIL-NEXUS Research Translation Accelerator (RTA) is a new University of Sydney initiative aims to build on and utilize expertise within SAIL for research, development and translation of novel photonics and optics technologies into industry and government applications.

The SAIL-NEXUS RTA “expansion” is more than just a progression; it is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting collaboration between academia, industry, and government while enhancing dual-use and composite technological capabilities. This initiative aligns with the larger objective of developing a nexus between research and practical applications, furthering SAIL’s contributions to defence and civilian technologies including next-generation optical communication systems, advanced hyperspectral sensing platforms, and space-based instrumentation.

The successful candidate will join the world-leading Sydney Astrophotonics Instrumentation Laboratory’s multi-disciplinary team developing cutting-edge photonics-based technologies addressing challenges across astronomy, optical science, and various industry/government sectors.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Photonic System Innovation: Craft state-of-the-art instruments and components for commercialisation across optical communications, hyperspectral imaging, and astronomical applications, encompassing production and quality assurance

• Integration and Prototyping: Assemble and integrate components into cutting-edge optical testbeds and prototypes

• Design and Packaging: Spearhead the design and integration process for packaging integrated photonics devices

• Software Development: Create sophisticated software solutions for instrument control, data management, and analytics

• Research and Collaboration: Lead experimental campaigns to test and verify technologies in both lab and field settings, including co-supervision of student research projects.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophotonics Research Translation who has:

• a PhD or equivalent experience in Photonics/Physics or an Engineering background with a focus on electro-optical/photonic instrumentation

• demonstrable experience in optical, opto-electronic, or photonic instrumentation and industry-focused research projects

• excellent collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

• strong skills in scientific and numerical programming, data analytics, and instrumentation software development.

• experience with laser communication systems, free-space optical communications, or optical networking technologies (desirable)

• experience with hyperspectral imaging systems, spectroscopic instrumentation, or multi/hyperspectral data analysis (desirable)

• knowledge of communication protocols, signal processing, detector technologies, or RF/optical hybrid systems (desirable)

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Shubhi Dhaka, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected]

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