• The School of Mathematics and Physics
• The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC)
• Full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months with possibility of extension
• Base salary will be in the range of $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Queensland, supported by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC). You will develop your expertise and research profile collaborating with industry partners on a project aimed at developing kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to model epitaxial growth processes. The goal is to control and optimise the growth of nanoscale structures for light-emitting devices.

Epitaxial growth, including for materials such as nitrides, is highly sensitive to detailed and often narrowly controlled process parameters, including substrate and source temperature, flux rate, surface coverage, plasma composition and excitations. The seeding process of a new layer in heteroepitaxy requires large-scale surface modelling with accurate force-field parameters to reliably capture the physical growth. Exploring and optimising the timing and control of the process parameters is essential for reproducing and guiding experimental growth outcomes.

The project will be assisted and interactively executed with the industry partner, with opportunities for collaboration and engagement within UQ and QUBIC.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Research

• Conduct research aimed at advancing kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of epitaxially grown nanoscale structures and develop kinetic Monte Carlo simulation software.
• Engage effectively with external partners.
• Document research findings and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.

2. Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research (e.g., PhD, Masters) students (as appropriate).
• Demonstrate personal effectiveness in supervision and the management of researcher development.
• Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.

3. Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.
• Contribute to internal service roles and administrative processes as required, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.
• Collaborate in service activities external to the immediate organisation unit.
• Begin to develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

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

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Broad knowledge of kinetic Monte Carlo methods.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: ab initio simulations using DFT (particularly of surface processes); kinetic Monte Carlo simulations; molecular dynamics simulations; classical and machine-learned force fields.
• Highly developed skills in scientific programming and data analysis.
• Interest in developing methods, algorithms or software.
• Evidence of publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of collaboration with experimental researchers or industry partners (desirable).
• Ability to work well in a team and to contribute to development of a collaborative and supportive research environment.

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

We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Carla Verdi ([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 9 July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51743). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the weeks starting 17 and 21 July 2025.