Position Description

Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Quantum Science

• A joint position between School of Mathematics and Physics & School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
• Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance
• Full-time, permanent position
• Academic Level B / Level C
• Based at our St Lucia campus location

About This Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a continuing Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (Level B/C, Teaching and Research) to play a central role in the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA) and strengthen quantum technologies research and teaching at The University of Queensland (UQ) within the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) and the School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP).

The QDA brings together twenty-seven partners across academia and industry to create a world-leading decarbonisation effort in Queensland powered by quantum technologies. Led by UQ, it has the partnerships needed for success, including Griffith University, CSIRO and a range of industry partners including Siemens, Aurizon, Queensland Energy among others. A key partner in the alliance is PsiQuantum, a leading quantum computing company and their decarbonisation affiliate Qlimate. PsiQuantum is currently building a utility-scale quantum computer in Brisbane.

The QDA aims to pioneer the use of quantum computers, and especially fault-tolerant quantum computers, for high-value decarbonisation use cases such as improved battery chemistries, the development of new catalysts for hydrogen, biofuel or ammonia production, materials for hydrogen or carbon storage, or process optimisation in carbon-intensive industry. The QDA also seeks to pioneer a range of quantum sensing technologies for decarbonisation.

The QDA will be hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC). It will establish seven new academic roles, four at UQ and three at Griffith University.

We are seeking applicants with active research interests in quantum computing, quantum algorithm/software development and applications in decarbonisation who can take full advantage of the unique opportunities the QDA provides at this pivotal stage in quantum computing. Preferred applicants would have expertise in several of the following:

• computational chemistry/condensed matter physics/materials science/biotechnology.
• quantum algorithm development (especially for fault tolerant quantum computers).
• application of algorithms (quantum or classical) for use-cases in chemistry, condensed matter physics, biochemistry and/or material science.
• technological and computational challenges associated with decarbonization.

This position will be a joint position between SCMB and SMP, to enable rapid application of quantum computing into chemistry and molecular bioscience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Teaching: Develop and deliver courses, engage in curriculum design, coordinate courses, assess students.

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Honours, Masters and Higher Degree by Research students.

• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal and external service roles, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a teaching & research position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, recognising that some applicants may face barriers and challenges that have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who may not meet all of the selection criteria should demonstrate their potential in the role. The selection panel will consider both your potential and any performance relative to opportunity considerations when assessing your suitability for this role.

Applicants should possess a PhD in a related field and have a research track record related to quantum computing, quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics, and/or molecular dynamics.

Level B (Lecturer):

• A developing national or international research profile as evidenced through publications in high-quality refereed journals and international conferences and a track record of seeking external research funding.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Evidence of a high level of quality teaching at undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate level.
• Experience in course coordination and in the development of course material.
• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
• Effectively performs internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

Level C (Senior Lecturer):

• An outstanding international research profile as evidenced through publications in high-quality refereed journals and international conferences and a track record of seeking, obtaining, and managing external research funding.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Evidence of a high level of quality teaching at undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate level.
• Experience in course coordination and leadership in the development and continuous innovation of new programs, curriculum design and/or course material.
• An established track record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
• Demonstrated leadership and strong contributions in internal and external service roles.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and education check.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Joel Corney, Head of Physics and Deputy Head School of Mathematics and Physics via smp.head.physics@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (R-52559) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

To submit an application for this role, go to the UQ Careers portal and use the Apply button.

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• An outline of their research program
• Resume
• Cover letter addressing (1) the ‘About You’ section within the Appointment Booklet and (2) how their research complements and supplements the current research strengths at UQ.
• The contact details of at least two referees who will be able to write recommendation letters. You will be notified before your referees are contacted.

Applications close 11 August 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52559). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late August / early September.

About the Selection Process

As part of the Selection Process, applicants shortlisted for interview will be required to present a seminar and a mock lecture to members of the School communities prior to their scheduled interview. The lecture topic will be provided in advance to shortlisted candidates. The research seminar will be for 40 minutes plus 5-10 minutes of questions, and the mock lecture will be 25 minutes, plus questions.

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.