Research Fellow in Meta-Optics

Role type: Full time (1.0 FTE); 2 Fixed-term positions for 12 months 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. The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) TMOS, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, unites five Australian and 13 leading international universities along with global companies to pioneer innovative optics-based technologies with vast market potential. Leveraging meta-optics, TMOS will create miniaturized optical systems surpassing current capabilities, addressing nanoscale challenges in light generation, manipulation, and detection. Discover more about working with TMOS here. We firmly believe in the power of diversity to enhance creativity, innovation, and productivity. Fostering an inclusive culture is integral to achieving scientific excellence. Which is why TMOS continually strive for gender equality and equity – read more here. Your next career opportunity 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 further information please refer to the attached PD. What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: Build future financial security with 17% superannuation Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 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. 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. 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. Position Description: JR-013268 - Research Fellow in Meta-Optics - PD.docx JR-013268 - Research Fellow in Meta-Optics - PD.pdf Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world-class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. Why choose us? You'll work among the best, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with passion. Whether you're driving groundbreaking research, inspiring the next generation through teaching, or providing essential professional services, we empower you to excel. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward-thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you! Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au