PhD Scholarship - Department of Optical Sciences Centre

About the Scholarship 
Ready to shape the future of quantum technology? Swinburne University is offering an exciting PhD Scholarship opportunity for exceptional candidates eager to explore quantum technology and advanced manufacturing.

The successful candidate will join Swinburne’s Dysprosium Quantum Gas Microscope Lab, collaborating with the Advanced Manufacturing team and an industry partner to develop 3D-printed ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) cells for portable quantum applications. Key responsibilities include selecting appropriate metals and manufacturing processes, producing and testing samples, and designing custom UHV cells. An industry placement is part of the role. The candidate will also actively participate in completing the quantum gas apparatus. Ideal candidates should have a background in physics or engineering, with a keen interest in 3D printing and vacuum systems. This position offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with both industry and academic experts.

Administered by CSIRO, the Australian Government-supported Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program (NGQGP) offers competitive scholarships to train future quantum technology specialists. Leveraging university resources and industry partnerships, cohorts of students tackle real-world research challenges. Scholarship holders will be enrolled at the Swinburne University of Technology and collaborate with Infleqtion Australia to develop innovative solutions.

Project Background
The rapid progress in quantum technology is set to transform industries like communication and navigation, with cold atoms showing great promise for enhanced precision and reliability. However, ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) conditions are crucial for this potential to be realised, and traditional UHV systems' size and immobility present significant challenges. Our project tackles these issues by developing miniaturised, 3D-printed UHV chambers and components, enabling the practical deployment of cold atom-based quantum devices. This initiative advances the field by streamlining the production of compact, custom-designed quantum devices suitable for various industry applications.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be domestic students as per the Higher Education Support Act 2003 at the time of award. Domestic students include:

Australian citizens,

Australian permanent residents,

A person entitled to stay in Australia, or to enter and stay in Australia, without any limitation as to time, or

New Zealand citizens. 

About You  
To be successful in the role, you will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Meet Swinburne PhD admission requirements
• Must be a domestic student
• Background knowledge in atomic, quantum and optical physics and vacuum technologies relevant to the project
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain high standards of precision in experimental work

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description. 

About Swinburne University of Technology 
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

To Apply 
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position and official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

For further information about this position, contact Sascha Hoinka at shoinka@swin.edu.au

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au  

Applications Close: Sunday 24 November 2024, at 11.00 pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne University of Technology is dedicated to creating a varied, welcoming, and open learning and work environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion, ensures fair access to opportunities, and actively opposes bullying, discrimination, sexual harm, victimisation, and vilification. We appreciate every individual in our community, regardless of ability/disability, age, cultural and ethnic background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and family and relationship status. For further details on our efforts, please explore our Equity & Diversity website.

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
Swinburne University of Technology actively supports and encourages individuals with disability to apply. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process by ensuring that we cater to the access and participation needs of all candidates. 

For a confidential conversation about your accessibility needs or to offer feedback on how we can enhance our recruitment processes to accommodate any adjustments you may require, please contact Swinburne’s Disability Confident Recruitment at DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) at Swinburne 
Swinburne is enhancing gender equity and diversity, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), by participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program. 

Swinburne University is actively engaged in improving representation and participation of women in STEMM fields, aiming to address ongoing gender inequity. As an inaugural recipient of the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, we have implemented our original SAGE Action Plan (2019-2021) and continue our commitment through the current SAGE Action Plan (2022-2025), focusing on meaningful actions to foster long-lasting change and advance gender equity and diversity in STEMM.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

For any support please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes 
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)(#LI-SW)