Research Fellow - Quantum Gravity and Quantum Information

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Multiple positions available; Fixed Term for 1 or 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• Interdisciplinary research at the nexus of quantum information and gravity with independent research focus and strong support for funding and career development.

• Apply now to join a dynamic Mathematical Quantum Information team, collaborate internationally through WOST, and accelerate your research impact.

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

The University of Melbourne
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Your next career opportunity
As a Research Fellow in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, you will work at the intersection of quantum information and quantum gravity, pursuing independent research while collaborating within the Mathematical Quantum Information Group. You will gain international experience through the WOST Consortium (https://withoutspacetime.org/), present at conferences, supervise higher‑degree students, and receive strong support to develop grant applications and grow your academic career.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct High‑Impact Research: Pursue independent and collaborative research at the intersection of quantum information and quantum gravity, producing publications in high‑impact journals and presenting findings internationally.

• Support WOST Consortium Collaboration: Actively participate in consortium activities, workshops and exchanges, contribute to joint projects and take on organisational tasks as required.

• Teaching, Supervision and Research Training: Teach one semester‑length course, mentor and supervise master’s and PhD students, and contribute to student training programs.

• Contribute to School Culture and Professional Development: Engage in School meetings and committee work, support outreach activities, uphold University values, and complete required professional development and compliance training.

You may be a great fit if:

• You have completed, or are near completion of, a PhD in physics, mathematics, or a related discipline.

• You have demonstrated capacity to engage in outstanding research consistent with the strengths and strategic directions of WOST Consortium and the research conducted in the Mathematical Quantum Information Group led by Dr Lucas Hackl.

• You have experience in at least one (preferable two) of the following topics and clear potential to make connections between them: Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information, Relativistic Quantum Information, Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, Quantum Gravity, General Relativity, Random Matrix Theory.

• You possess a track record of peer‑reviewed publications or demonstrable research outputs.

• You can teach and supervise postgraduate students and support a positive, inclusive research culture.

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 Mathematics and Statistics
 The University of Melbourne's School of Mathematics and Statistics is one of Australia's leading mathematics and statistics schools. It has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. The school offers a wide range of subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students and is involved in aspects of community life that impact on the interests of the school and the discipline. Infrastructure support for research and basic information technology facilities is provided to all members of the department.

Science at the University of Melbourne is the most highly ranked Faculty of Science in Australia. Science is defined by its research excellence in the physical and life sciences and is at the forefront of research addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us. The faculty is custodian of the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, the Indigenous Knowledge Institute, the Melbourne Energy Institute, the Office for Environmental Programs and home to numerous Centres.

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 [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

Please upload the following documents:

Cover letter (1-2 pages, giving an overview of the application and emphasizing its highlights). CV (including publication list and list of at least 3 referees who agreed to provide a letter of recommendation) A research statement outlining existing research experience and current research interest / focus for the position, highlighting potential overlap with members of the Mathematical Quantum Information Group and the broader Mathematical Physics Group at the University of Melbourne (preferably 3-5 pages). A concise summary of how the research could fit into the WOST Consortium and research overlap with other WOST nodes with the potential for collaboration (1 page).

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Dr Lucas Hackl at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Lachlan Bryce at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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

Applications close: 2nd of June, 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-011548 Research Fellow in Mathematical Physics (WithOut SpaceTime Consortium)_PD.docx

JR-011548 Research Fellow in Mathematical Physics (WithOut SpaceTime Consortium)_PD.pdf