MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation

Role type: Full-time or part-time; Fixed-term (4 years)
Faculty: Science
School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (PhD entry level $110,319 p.a.)
plus 17% super (retirement savings system/pension scheme)

• Build improved approaches to quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation / a brand-new ARC Centre of Excellence uniting 9 Australian universities and global partners / build an independent academic trajectory
• Apply now to advance quantum optimisation in a globally connected ARC Centre and establish your own academic direction.
• 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

You will drive cutting-edge research on quantum algorithms for challenging combinatorial optimisation problems within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security & Trust (MathQuEST) .

Collaborating with MathQuEST researchers and partners, and Melbourne's quantum ecosystem, develop an independent research profile while mentoring students and engaging industry partners.

MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on Quantum Optimisation

Postdoctoral position at the University of Melbourne to undertake research on quantum optimisation as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security & Trust (MathQuEST), under the guidance of Dr Lindon Roberts and Prof Kate Smith-Miles in collaboration with Chief Investigators across the Centre.

MathQuEST is an Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence led by Professor Nalini Joshi. Funded over seven years, the Centre brings nine collaborating Australian universities: The University of Sydney, Adelaide University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Australia, and University of Wollongong. The Centre's partner network comprises world-leading companies, universities, government, and professional bodies across 10 countries. A full list of partners is available on our website: https://mathquest.org.au/.

The MathQuEST vision is to undertake transformational interdisciplinary research founded on mathematics that will underpin new algorithms to protect our future, empower discovery, and increase trust in an age that will be shaped by quantum computers. Its core mission is to do so by creating a high-quality, inclusive and collaborative research culture to grow a mathematically trained, technologically agile workforce that will support Australia's sovereign capability. All members of the Centre will have the opportunity to develop communication skills, participate in outreach, and receive mentoring and training to engage with society and industry at all levels. The Centre will be grounded in a culture of inclusion, diversity, and engagement of talented people at all levels, to cultivate discovery. MathQuEST supports a flexible, family-friendly working environment. Subject to visa restrictions, this opportunity is available as either a full-time or part-time position.

This position, based at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, is for 4 years and is aimed at build improved approaches to quantum algorithms in a broad sense, investigating both modelling and algorithmic advances.

For more information on how to apply for this position (and others within the Centre), go to https://mathquest.edu.au/ and follow the links.

What you will deliver:

• Advance MathQuEST's research programme on quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimisation.
• Design, analyse and implement novel quantum algorithms, producing high-quality publications in leading optimisation and quantum journals.
• Contribute to grant proposals, research reports and other scholarly outputs, supporting external and internal funding opportunities.
• Co-supervise and mentor postgraduate and junior research staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive research environment.
• Engage with seminars, conferences, outreach and industry partners to disseminate findings and build strategic collaborations.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near completed PhD in mathematical optimisation, quantum optimisation, or a closely related discipline.
• Bring demonstrated experience developing, analysing and implementing quantum algorithms for discrete optimisation problems.
• Maintain a strong, emerging publication record and clear ambition to build an academic research career.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence presenting research to varied audiences.
• Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, engaging positively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and institutions.
• Manage research projects with limited supervision, meeting deadlines and balancing competing priorities with strong organisation.

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, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause 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 - The School of Mathematics and Statistics

A globally recognised mathematical sciences community within the Faculty of Science, based at the University of Melbourne.

The School hosts ARC Centres of Excellence, major training centres, and international collaborations across optimisation and quantum science.

MathQuEST's interdisciplinary network, supported by the IBM Quantum Hub, creates a dynamic environment for impactful quantum-era research careers.

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 korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.

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 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. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Lindon Roberts, details in position description.
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Lachlan Bryce 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: 8 December, 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

opportunity, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and appropriate workplace behaviour.

This commitment is set out in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030 that addresses diversity and inclusion, equal employment opportunity, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and appropriate workplace behaviour.