• School of Mathematics and Physics
• Full-time, fixed-term Research Platform Academic position for up to 4 years
• Base salary will be in the range $137,542.79 - $158,351.30 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level C)
• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Platform Fellow - Deputy Director for the National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility, to play a key role in a new initiative funded by the Queensland State Government to establish The National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility (NQCT). The Deputy Director will leverage their unique expertise to engage in the provision of expert technical advice, professional support and leadership to contribute to research in the local context, whilst continuing to develop their discipline expertise and capability at a national and international level. The Deputy Director will also have primary responsible for providing operational management for the facility with the goal of developing the first open-access quantum computer in Australia and aiding the Director in delivering the strategic goals for the Facility. This includes responsibilities for long-term operational planning, strategic budget management, coordination of the Facility's professional support services, risk management processes and core research laboratories, information technology/systems, and facilities.

The position operates as a key interface with internal and external stakeholders in the Facility and collaborates with these parties to achieve successful outcomes and leading practices.

At this level it is expected that an incumbent will perform a range of high-level service and engagement roles and activities that raises the profile of their facility and field. They will demonstrate increasing recognition for research platform impact via an emerging research profile.

Key responsibilities include:

In collaboration with senior staff and stakeholders:

• Contribute to the development of research design and proposals for The National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility (NQCT).
• Provide expertise and knowledge to end-users of the NQCT.
• Ensure, where relevant, the NQCT operates efficiently and effectively.
• Provide advanced scientific expertise to maximise research outcomes of NQCT, contributing superconducting quantum computing expertise to the design, implementation, evaluation and modification of research methodologies and/or protocols.
• Perform complex research experiments, conduct advanced simulations, cost calculations, and feasibility studies pertaining to NQCT platform.
• Undertake and supervise others in the undertaking of specialist aspects of NQCT research in accordance with scientific discipline/research methodology.
• Develop new research products and technology by designing and building new and/or improve existing research-focused engineering technologies, systems, prototypes, machines, software and/or processes in the context if of the NQCT facility.
• Design complex testing procedures and protocols and coordinate to identify problems and solutions.
• Collaborate with industry, community and government to influence changes in policy and practice.
• Contribute to and coordinate research outputs, joint preparation and authorship of reports/ manuscripts where appropriate.
• Contribute as discipline expert in research proposals, grant applications, ethics applications and/or other documentation.
• Work closely with the Director to lead and develop the research team to enhance Facility performance and reputation.
• Support researchers in technical development, grants, publications, and supervision.
• Foster cross-facility collaboration, training, and capacity building at UQ.
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance through effective systems.
• Represent the Facility at events and promote collaboration opportunities
• Provide support in teaching activities where applicable.
• Set up equipment and perform non-routine experiments/techniques requiring advanced knowledge/skills.
• Mentor and/or support the development of research technicians/engineers, scientists, community, future students and alumni.
• Actively participate and contribute to Facility committees or relevant bodies in the profession, industry and community, such as: judging prizes, industry/professional associations or boards, roundtables, cross- institutional mentoring.

This is a Research Focused, Platform Academic position. Further information on Research Platform Academics can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

Please return to this advertisement link as the recruitment booklet will be available to download shortly. In the meantime, please email [email protected] if you have any questions about the booklet.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

We are seeking an individual with an expert record in circuit-QED quantum computing who is looking to advance their career building high-level capability at a national and international level. The position requires very strong research experience in a wide range of disciplines, and will involve leading a diverse team to achieve successful project outcomes. Candidates who may not meet all the below selection criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential in the role. The selection panel will consider both your potential and any performance relative to opportunity when assessing your suitability for this role.

• Completion of a PhD in experimental solid-state quantum computing.
• An established profile in research in experimental superconducting quantum circuits.
• National recognition in the field of circuit-QED, with an internationally developing profile and an established record of publications in reputed refereed journal and presenting at conferences.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of the experimental quantum computing platform based on superconducting circuits from the chip level to up to control software stack. That includes experience in chip design and fabrication, microwave engineering (both design and simulation), in design of microcontroller platforms and FPGAs (with proficiency in HDL such as Verilog) development of hardware control software stacks (with proficiency in C++ and Python) at the level of the system software engineer.
• Experience in procurement, installation, and operation of dilution refrigerators and related infrastructure for solid-state quantum computing experiments.
• An established track record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
• A growing record of meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with a strong contribution to external activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Arkady Fedorov via [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing the 'About You section'

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close 19 May 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-48133). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late May/early June.