Research Fellow in Meta-Optics Full-time

Research Fellow In Meta-Optics

You will contribute to pioneering research in meta-optics and metasurfaces within the University of Melbourne Node of TMOS. You will design and characterise advanced optical metasurfaces, publish high-impact work, and build collaborations across leading Australian and international partners. You will also develop your academic profile through mentoring, supervision, outreach and funding applications, supported by a highly collegial School of Physics.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct high-quality research on optical metasurfaces and meta-optical systems, increasingly independently, under guidance from senior academics.
• Design, build and use custom optical systems to characterise metasurfaces and generate publishable, high-impact experimental results.
• Prepare and publish scholarly outputs, present at seminars and conferences, and contribute to competitive funding proposals.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate research students, and support junior research staff within the group's expertise area.
• Engage actively with TMOS nodes, School committees and outreach activities, fostering collaborations, diversity and public engagement.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near-completed PhD in physics, electrical and electronic engineering, physical chemistry or materials science.
• Bring demonstrated experience designing and characterising optical metasurfaces using custom optical measurement systems.
• Demonstrate a strong research track record, including publications, reports and manuscripts aligned with meta-optics or related fields.
• Manage research projects effectively, meeting deadlines and progressing work with limited supervision in a team environment.
• Engage productively with collaborators, industry or professional bodies, including teams located at different institutions or nodes.
• Offer additional strengths in theory and modelling, nanofabrication, grant applications, or supervision of research students.

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Physics You will join the School of Physics, one of Australia's leading physics schools, renowned for research and teaching excellence. As part of TMOS, you will work with a dynamic meta-optics group and collaborate with multiple ARC Centres of Excellence. You will benefit from cutting-edge facilities, skilled technical support and a vibrant, diverse community committed to mentoring, inclusion and developing future research leaders.

Application essentials:

• Visit “apply with us” to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Ann Roberts at ann.roberts@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 24 June 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.