POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – ASTROPHOTONICS (EXPERIMENTALIST)

JOINT APPOINTMENT: CUDOS – THE ARC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ULTRAHIGH BANDWIDTH DEVICES FOR OPTICAL SYSTEMS

SCHOOL OF PHYSICS AND THE AUSTRALIAN ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

REFERENCE NO. 817/0512

• Growing research centre with excellent reputation and with renewed long-term funding
• Development and application of photonic devices to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of astronomical instrumentation
• Position level A-B with salary package $92k-$124K p.a.

The University of Sydney is Australia's premier University with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff supporting over 49,000 students.

CUDOS, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh Bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems at the University of Sydney and the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Fellow for a joint appointment in the field of astrophotonics. This field is a relatively new endeavour that entails the development and application of photonic devices to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of astronomical instrumentation.

You will play a leading role in existing astrophotonics research and development programs shared between the AAO and CUDOS and to develop new and innovative initiatives by identifying and developing emerging photonic technologies. In particular you will be expected to develop and characterise near- and mid-infrared photonic components and devices with an objective of achieving an on-telescope technology demonstration.

You will be expected to divide your time equally between CUDOS and AAO over the period of the appointment. Office space and computing facilities will be available at both institutes. You would be jointly supervised by Dr Jon Lawrence, the Head of Instrument Science at the AAO, and by Professor Benjamin Eggleton, the CUDOS Director.

You will have:

• PhD (or near-completion) in astronomy, instrument science, optics, photonics, physics or a similar scientific discipline
• proven research and publication record in photonics, astronomy, astronomical instrumentation or a related discipline
• proven track record of, or be able to demonstrate potential for, expertise and competence in the research, development and commissioning of complex optical and photonic systems
• strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Highly desirable will be: experience with developing optical/infrared astronomical instrumentation; expertise in infrared photonics and expertise in optical/infrared waveguides (optical fibres, fibre-based systems, or planar devices).

The positions are full-time fixed term for two years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: $92K-$124K p.a. (which includes a base salary range level A to B of $78K-$105K p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). The level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Visa sponsorship and some support towards relocation expenses may be available if required.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.Visit sydney.edu.au/positions and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 19 August 2012 (11:30PM Sydney time)

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged as they are under-represented in this field.

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