Postdoctoral Fellow

Classification: Academic Level A
Salary package: $89,313 - $112,103 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full-Time, Fixed-Term, until April 2029

The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to a project funded under the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Program through Grant DP260102501 - ‘Positron and Positronium Collision Dynamics’ with ANU Chief Investigators Dr Joshua Machacek and Professor Stephen Buckman.  The project goals include experimental investigations of positron and positronium collisions with a range of molecular targets with a focus on molecules of biological interest.  A particular focus will be the refinement of an existing positronium beam for studies of charge transfer in positronium collisions with molecules.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and further development of the ANU's state-of-the-art positron/positronium beam line based on buffer-gas trap technology, and its application to a range of unique experimental studies of positron/positronium-molecule interactions. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the program, including experimental planning, experimental operation, data analysis, preparation of research publications and participating in the supervision of both graduate and undergraduate student projects.  Communication of results is an important aspect of the role, and the successful candidate will also have an opportunity to present their work at both national and international workshops and conferences.

The Person

To excel in this role, you will be a motivated experimental atomic/molecular physicist with:

• A PhD (or awarding of a PhD within six months of appointment commencement) in experimental atomic/molecular charge-particle collision physics or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise for innovative experimental research in the field of atomic and molecular scattering. Experience in positron and positronium experimentation would be a distinct advantage, as would evidence of the familiarity with high vacuum technology, charged particle and radiation detectors, fast electronics, and various programming languages (e.g. LabView, MATLAB, Python, etc.)
• A strong motivation to work with a collaborative team to achieve project goals and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environments.

The School

The Research School of Physics at The Australian National University is a leading institution dedicated to advancing the field of physics and its practical applications. With a rich history spanning over 75 years, the School has a distinguished record of scientific discoveries in atomic/molecular physics amongst other fundamental fields and translational successes across many areas. 

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

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For further information please contact: Dr Joshua Machacek, E: joshua.machacek@anu.edu.au, or Professor Stephen Buckman, E: Stephen.Buckman@anu.edu.au 

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities.  For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.
• Applications close June 30, 2026

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.