$75,888 to $102,040 (Level A) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation will apply.

Fixed term position for two years with extension possible contingent on available funding

The University of Adelaide node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) seeks to appoint a Research Associate.

You will work in a dynamic and multi-faceted team that explores the development of current and next-generation gravitational wave detectors (GWD), including advanced numerical simulation and analysis tools; ultra-sensitive wavefront sensing and compensation techniques; adaptive optics; high-precision measurement of optical absorption in low-loss materials and optical coatings; and ultra-stable high-power lasers for cryogenic Si GWD. Additionally, we are currently developing a unique facility to test at full scale and improve schemes for laser-beam mode sensing and control in current generation GWD.

You will also mentor graduate students and guide their projects in collaboration with other post-doctoral researchers and the group leaders. Mentoring and professional development opportunities for the successful applicant will also be available as part of your membership of the OzGrav Centre of Excellence.

The position includes collaboration with our national and international partners, and the opportunity to participate in the at-site and remote commissioning of the aLIGO gravitational wave detectors, and to present your work at national and international conferences.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD (or thesis submitted) or equivalent experience in the development of gravitational wave detectors or experimental laser physics or optical sensing and/or Python numerical tools.
• A commitment to research excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in addition to working effectively as a member of a research team in a complex setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff. We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University. In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

 The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

How to Apply

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

***Applications close 11:55pm (ACST) Sunday 2nd June 2024***

For further information:

More information can be found about The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) at https://www.ozgrav.org/

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Professor Peter Veitch

OzGrav Chief Investigator

University of Adelaide

E: peter.veitch@adelaide.edu.au

Professor David Ottaway

OzGrav Chief Investigator and Head of Physics

University of Adelaide

E: david.ottaway@adelaide.edu.au

Download the Position Description Apply now