Research Fellow in Physics

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao/The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers.  We are striving to provide a School that reflects the demographics of our student base and Aotearoa. Our staff and students can connect with our: Rainbow and Women in Science networks, Parenting support, our Waipapa Marae and our flagship Tuākana Māori and Pacific support programme.

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

In this Marsden Fund project, you will work in our team to create a new resource for quantum computing and quantum optics: a source of a deterministic number of photons, where this photon number is larger than one. Deterministic single photon sources have been demonstrated over the past years, but multi-photon Fock states have not been realised. We aim to achieve this using our existing experimental facility using ultra cold atoms, coupled to an optical nano fibre.

The position involves working with existing lasers and vacuum chambers to cool and trap atoms, and to implement the formalism to release multiple photons. An essential new part of the setup will be the design and manufacture of in-fibre resonators. For this, you will work closely with our project collaborators in Japan.

This role is fulltime (40 hours per week), 24 month fixed term role.

Remuneration: RF1 – RF3; $86,979 - $92,620 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We seek applicants with experience in a similar research field, excellent collaborative skills, the ability to effectively mentor students, and who can contribute to an environment that supports equity and inclusion.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland strives to provide a positive and supportive environment for all staff and students, and we particularly welcome applications from members of groups who are traditionally under-represented in the physical and mathematical sciences.

At Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao | Department of Physics we have a long-standing focus on quantum optics and photonics, but we also have research projects on planets around distant stars, big bang theory and the earth’s changing climate, amongst other subjects.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 21 April 2023 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Maarten Hoogerland via m.hoogerland@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation.

Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.  

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