Research Fellow in Nano-Optics Full-time

Research Fellow in Nano-Optics

Role type: Full time (1.0 FTE); Fixed-term for 12 months (2 positions available)Faculty: Faculty of Science Department / School: School of Physics Salary: Level A: $87,266 – $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Innovative meta-optics research in an ARC Centre of Excellence / rich national and international collaborations / supportive, inclusive development for emerging research leaders

Join TMOS at Melbourne to drive nanoscale optical innovation and accelerate a thriving research career.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Your next career opportunity You will contribute to pioneering nano-optics research on optical nanotweezers and metasurfaces within the University of Melbourne Node of TMOS. You will design and characterise advanced optical nanotweezers and 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 internationally competitive nano-optics research on optical nanotweezers and metasurfaces for structured light generation.
• 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, or are close to completing, a PhD in physics, electrical and electronic engineering, or related nano-optics field.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with optical nanotweezers and/or metasurfaces for structured light generation.
• 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 within the Faculty of Science and work in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems. This dynamic, collaborative node unites experimentalists and theorists to create next-generation meta-optical technologies. You will benefit from state-of-the-art nano-optics facilities, expert technical support and strong national and international partnerships. The school values curiosity, excellence, inclusion and impact. You will access mentoring, professional development and diverse career pathways within a welcoming, supportive community.

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

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. Kenneth Crozier at kenneth.crozier@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.