Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophotonics and Astronomical Instrumentation

• Full time fixed term for 2 years at Camperdown Campus
• Opportunity to be part of an exciting global initiative in astronomical science
• Base Salary Level A $117,936 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney's School of Physics is soliciting applications for a Researcher in Astrophotonics and Astronomical Instrumentation at Astralis-USyd.

This exciting role at Astralis-USyd (one of 3 nodes of Australia's Astronomical Instrumentation Consortium, Astralis) is part of a major astrophotonics initiative launched from the University of Sydney as the lead institution in an international collaboration involving several observatory and university partners worldwide. We aim to produce next generation astronomical instruments founded on photonics technologies. Our group is an established world leader in astrophotonics, having pioneered instruments for photonic interferometry, nulling, wavefront sensing and spectroscopy at the world's leading telescopes. The successful candidate will join our vibrant interdisciplinary team tackling some of the biggest challenges in observational astronomy by way of innovative technological solutions.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• develop and build innovative astrophotonic instruments, and their core technologies, for groundbreaking astronomical science in high-contrast and high-angular-resolution imaging
• implement and test novel instrument concepts based on astrophotonic technologies (including the photonic lantern and photonic integrated optics), by way of computer simulations, laboratory prototyping and on-sky testing
• perform detailed laboratory characterisation of astrophotonic components, including designing robust experimental procedures and analysis of data
• contribute to novel data analysis and/or instrument control code, leveraging advances in machine learning and real-time control
• fabricate robust instrumentation or photonic components for use at 8m-class and future ELT-class observatories
• perform lead roles instrument development projects, including coordinating with scientists, engineers, observatories and other stakeholders to ensure optimum outcomes
• deliver outcomes in a timely way to meet milestones in the funded instrumentation projects.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Researcher in Astrophotonics and Astronomical Instrumentation who has:

• a PhD or equivalent experience in physics, optics, photonics or astronomy, or an engineering background with a focus on optical or photonic instrumentation
• demonstrated experience in astronomical instrumentation, or in development of optical/photonic instrumentation, or in development of technologies that underlie astrophotonic applications
• demonstrated skills in devising and performing optical laboratory experiments
• demonstrated skills in scientific / numerical programming and data analysis
• excellent collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• a keen, self-motivated interest in exploring novel techniques and methods to solve problems.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au .

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 23 August 2026 11:59 PM