• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

This role is part of an Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite project delivered in collaboration with Emergence Quantum. The project aims to bring superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) technology developed at UNSW to market. It includes both the commercialisation of current detector designs and the creation of new integrated SNSPD arrays that can be produced using semiconductor manufacturing processes.

The Translational Research & Development (R&D) Engineer plays a key role in a team working to develop, test, and prepare SNSPDs for commercial use. The role involves hands-on device fabrication, cryogenic testing, and improving manufacturing processes, with a focus on making the technology scalable, reliable, and ready for real-world applications.

The position is based in the School of Physics within the Faculty of Science at UNSW Kensington and sits at the intersection of experimental physics, engineering, and technology translation.

About the role

• $113K - $123K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Dr. Alison Goldingay and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Develop, refine and document fabrication processes for SNSPD devices, including nanofabrication and photonic integration.
• Contribute to improving device yield, reproducibility and performance consistency.
• Support the development of fabrication flows compatible with foundry-scale manufacturing.
• Design, implement and run cryogenic measurement protocols (~1 K) to evaluate detector performance.
• Integrate optical, electrical and cryogenic systems for device testing.
• Develop and maintain software tools for experiment control, automation and data analysis.
• Contribute to the development of packaging, integration and deployment strategies for SNSPD technologies.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation, internal reports and materials for external partners.
• Support the progression of SNSPD technology from laboratory prototypes toward deployable systems.
• Work closely with academic researchers, engineers and external industry partners, including Emergence Quantum.
• Contribute to project planning, milestone delivery and technical decision-making.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure and contribute to safe, effective operation of experimental facilities.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A qualification in physics, engineering or a related discipline (Honours, Masters, PhD) or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a laboratory environment and solve complex technical problems.
• Experience communicating technical results clearly through reports, documentation and presentations.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple technical tasks in parallel.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Strong hands-on experience in one or more of the below:
  •  Experience with nanofabrication techniques such as photolithography, electron-beam lithography,   thin-film deposition and dry etching.
  • Experience characterising superconducting or quantum devices at cryogenic temperatures.
  • Experience developing software for instrument control and data analysis (e.g. Python).
  • Familiarity with technology translation, industry-linked R&D or commercialisation pathways.
  • Experience working with external partners or multidisciplinary project teams.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Alison Goldingay
E: a.goldingay@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: March 24^th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).