Postdoctoral Research Fellow position available

The Centre for Quantum Dynamics at Griffith University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the CQD team on the beachside City of Gold Coast—Griffith University’s largest and fastest-growing campus.

The Centre for Quantum Dynamics (CQD) undertakes world-leading research in quantum science and technology. The Centre comprises more than 50 researchers—including theorists and experimentalists—with strong collaborations. Our cutting-edge research encompasses many areas, including quantum information processing, quantum foundations, ultrafast quantum processes, and quantum biophysics. The Centre hosts a node of the Australian Research Council’s Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology and is also home to the Australian Attosecond Science Facility, the only laboratory in Australia where atoms, molecules and materials can be probed on sub-femtosecond timescales.

The opportunity
This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position involves contributing to one of more areas of research within the Centre for Quantum Dynamics. Although a degree of intellectual independence is encouraged, the Research Fellow will be funded by, and expected to contribute to, two externally-funded research projects led by Dr Eric Cavalcanti:

  • Australian Research Council Future Fellowship “Fine-tuning the quantum: foundations and applications of quantum causality”:

    This project aims to investigate the nature of causality in the quantum world, with an eye to answer the key question for unlocking the benefits of quantum information processing: what gives quantum mechanics its information-processing power beyond classical physics? Using interdisciplinary methodologies, this Project will explore the hypothesis that quantum advantage is associated to a fundamental need for fine-tuning in classical simulations of quintessentially quantum phenomena such as contextuality and Bell-nonlocality. Expected outcomes include a novel physical picture to guide quantum technologies, new fundamental tests of nonclassicality, and theoretical and philosophical advances in our understanding of the nature of quantum reality and causality.
  • Foundational Questions Institute Large Grant “Causal reasoning in quantum agents”:

    One of the abilities that distinguishes humans from other animals is our capacity to represent the world in terms of cause-and-effect relationships. It has been argued that human-level artificial intelligence will only be achieved if we endow machines with similar abilities to reason about the effects of their interventions in the world, and to imagine the potential outcomes of counterfactual courses of action. In current research in artificial intelligence, the mathematical machinery for this kind of representation is provided by the classical theory of causal models. Unfortunately, this theory is in direct conflict with quantum mechanics, as demonstrated through a number of theorems and experiments, such as those involving the phenomena of quantum nonlocality and contextuality. In recent years, a new research program is attempting to resolve this conflict by developing a quantum generalisation of the theory of causal models. This project aims to investigate how quantum causality differs from its classical counterpart in the representation and analysis of statements involving interventions and counterfactuals. This could form a fundamental part of the toolbox of automated reasoning in quantum artificial agents, and further our understanding of the nature of intelligence and agency in the physical world.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow may contribute to these projects through conceptual, analytical or numerical work, depending on the applicant’s background and interest. The position is also required to undertake higher degree research supervision. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the academic environment at the Gold Coast node of CQD.

This is a fixed term (2 years), full-time position based at the Gold Coast campus. The successful candidate will be appointed at either Grade 1 or 2 depending on experience, skills and qualifications.

About you
The successful applicant will have a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Philosophy, or related fields. You will have demonstrated experience in topics relevant to the research projects above (Grade 1), or extensive research experience including leadership responsibility (Grade 2). You will have a publication record (Grade 1), or well-established track record of publication in esteemed peer-reviewed journals (Grade 2). The successful applicant will have high-level interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication skills. You will have demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to meet competing deadlines, and to work effectively as a team member and communicate with a range of stakeholders.

Salary range
Grade 1:  $73,791 – $86,579 per annum.  Salary package including 17% employer superannuation contribution: $86,336 – $101,299 per annum.

Grade 2:  $94,361 – $112,057 per annum.  Salary package including 17% employer superannuation contribution: $110,403 – $131,108 per annum.

How to apply
Please submit your application online by following this link, and ensure your application includes the following:

  • Statement addressing each of the selection criteria in the attached position description: 00060111_PD.pdf
  • One page covering letter outlining your suitability for the role;
  • Current curriculum vitae/resume which should include:
    • Full name, address, telephone number and email address;
    • Details of education, professional training and qualifications;
    • Employment history, including present position and details of relevant professional, consulting or industry experience;
    • Research interests and list of publications;
    • Research grants awarded and any other relevant information, such as offices held in professional bodies, community services etc.

What we offer
Working for one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join a University that spans six campuses in South East Queensland and all disciplines, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends around the world.

At Griffith, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our employees and invest in the skills of our people.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith’s strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Further information
For further information about this role and the research projects involved, please contact Dr Eric Cavalcanti: e.cavalcanti@griffith.edu.au

For application queries, please contact Ms Busra Sevimli, HR Officer on +61 (0) 7 3735 7359.

Closing date: Monday, 30 September 2019 at 5 pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply and while this position is advertised as full time, a fractional appointment with flexible working can be negotiated.