Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics

Role type: Full time (1.0 FTE); Continuing
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Physics
Salary: Level of appointment is subject to qualification and experience

Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

Level C: $152,695 - $176,065 pa. plus 17% super

• World-class quantum and optical physics programs / access to ARC Centres, IBM Quantum Hub and major facilities / continuing academic roles

• Apply now to shape quantum technologies, advance impactful research and deliver inspiring physics education at Melbourne.

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
In this role, you will lead research in quantum or optical physics with strong national and international visibility, while also designing engaging curriculum, supervising researchers, and collaborating across ARC Centres to advance transformative quantum technologies.

What you will deliver:

• Lead innovative research programs in quantum or optical physics, producing high impact publications and securing competitive funding.

• Design and deliver high quality undergraduate and postgraduate physics teaching, including lectures, practicals, assessments and subject coordination.

• Supervise and mentor honours, Masters and PhD students, supporting timely completion and strong research outcomes.

• Build active national and international collaborations, including with ARC Centres, IBM Quantum Hub and industry or government partners.

• Contribute to School governance, outreach activities and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and public engagement in physics.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold a PhD in physics or a closely related discipline with focus on quantum or optical physics.

• Demonstrate a strong record of research outputs in relevant fields, commensurate with opportunity and career stage.

• Bring experience securing, or contributing to, competitive research grant applications and building collaborative research networks.

• Provide evidence of effective physics teaching, or strong potential, across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including curriculum development.

• Offer experience supervising research students and supporting an inclusive, safe and high performing research environment.

• Contribute collegially to academic service, outreach activities and cross-disciplinary engagement within and beyond the School.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Physics
Joining the School of Physics, you will be part of a globally recognised hub for quantum and optical sciences. You will collaborate with leading researchers across ARC Centres of Excellence, the IBM Quantum Hub and key facilities. Based in the Faculty of Science, you will benefit from an inclusive culture, rich partnerships and outstanding support.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Harry Quiney at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 1 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-014024 - Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics - PD.docx

JR-014024 - Lecturer, Senior Lecturer in Quantum or Optical Physics - PD.pdf