Research Fellow - Experimental Quantum Foundations

  • Full-time
  • Primary Location (Campus): Brisbane South (Nathan)
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Department ID: ESC - Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Physics - ESA
  • Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the role  

Griffith University’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QUATRI) undertakes world-leading research in quantum theory, quantum experiments, and micro- and nano-technology. The Institute comprises more than 100 researchers with numerous collaborations. Our research encompasses many areas, including quantum information processing, quantum foundations, ultrafast quantum processes, microfluidics, nanomaterials, and compound semiconductor fabrication. The Institute hosts a node of the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration, and partners with many outside bodies including Psi-Quantum and the Australian Nanofabrication Facility. It is the premier place in Australia for quantum foundations research (theory and experiment).  

Key responsibilities  

We are seeking a Research Fellow in quantum foundations to work on the externally funded project, “Advancing Quantum Experiments to Test Reality Beyond Bell’s Theorem” held by Prof. Howard Wiseman, Dr Nora Tischler, and Assoc. Prof. Eric Cavalcanti at Griffith University. This grant builds on the Local Friendliness No-Go theorem published by us and co-workers (Bong et al., Nature Physics 2020), in particular aiming to perform new experiments inspired by it, and to work out the implications of the theorem and variations on it. The job will include photonic experiments in quantum foundations, and is expected to involve a combination of discrete- and continuous-variable quantum optics.   
  
Success in this role requires working closely with experimentalist Tischler and engagement with theory led by Wiseman and Cavalcanti, as well as with international collaborator Dr William Zeng (Unitary Foundation). 

About You 

  • To be successful within this role, you will hold a PhD in Physics, or equivalent qualifications/work experience in a relevant field.  

  • You will have demonstrated experimental research experience in quantum foundations or fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, especially quantum information (Grade 1), or extensive research experience in such areas including leadership responsibility (Grade 2).   

  • You will have a record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals (Grade 1), or well-established track record of publication in esteemed peer-reviewed journals (Grade 2).   

  • You will have the passion and a demonstrated ability to undertake and communicate high-quality research.   

  • You will have high-level interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills, which enable you to collaborate and work effectively as a team member and supervise more junior team members.   

  • In addition, you will have a high level of self-motivation and the ability to take initiative and work independently. 

What we can offer 

This is a full-time fixed-term opportunity for two years based at Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. 

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples. 

Salary  

Research Fellow Grade 1 or 2  

Base range RF1 – $91,705.29 - $107,420.93 + 17% superannuation. Full package range - $107,295.20 - $125,682.49. 

Base range RF2- $117,076.11 - $139,031.71 + 17% superannuation. Full package range - $136,979.05 - $162,667.11. 

Applicants are required to obtain full unrestricted work rights for the duration of this appointment, please note sponsorship is not available for this role.  

Additional Information

Why join Griffith?  
  
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:  

  • Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities  

  • Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment  

  • Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts  

  • Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading  

  • Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme  

  • Opportunities for internal mobility  

  • Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities  

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience. 

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.  

How to apply  

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:  

  • A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.  

  • Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details  

  • References are required to be included within applications, noting that referees will not be contacted without permission.  

For application and recruitment advice please contact Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].  

If you have questions about the role, please reach out to Dr Nora Tischler at [email protected].  

Closing date: Friday 28th August at 11:59pm  All applications must be submitted online. 

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