Research Officer - Electrical Engineering

• School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

• Part-time (60%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer to join a dynamic team advancing the development of high-speed, high-power laser drivers for next-generation laser imaging systems. The role involves the design, implementation, and optimisation of laser systems; running experimental campaigns; and applying advanced control and signal processing techniques using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), alongside analog and digital circuit design.

This research underpins biomedical applications, with a particular focus on early melanoma detection through novel laser-based imaging techniques. The position offers an opportunity to deepen your technical expertise while contributing to impactful, translational research. You will be supported to develop your research track record and establish a nationally recognised profile in this emerging interdisciplinary field.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Supports team research program to achieve recognition and impact in the research area, design PCBs and develops FPGA code, develop image signal processing systems and sensor motion control, collaborate on the assembly, alignment, and optimization of the systems, conduct testing and operation of the systems to ensure functionality and performance, collaborate on research projects, participate in or contributes (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for competitive research funding, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Teaching: Where undergraduate teaching is undertaken achieves teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improves or innovates where appropriate in response to feedback.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.

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

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

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

• Completion of a Bachelor of Engineering with research experience in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) programming, analog and digital circuit design or progress towards a PhD in the discipline area with research experience or equivalent experience.

• An established profile in FPGA programming, analog and digital circuit design

• Proficient in electronics laboratory practices, including hands-on experience with standard lab equipment and both analogue and digital PCB development.

• Skilled in FPGA design and implementation, with expertise in Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) programming and the use of Xilinx (AMD) Vivado Design Suite for synthesis and development.

• Experienced in hardware description and embedded systems, particularly with field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and associated development tools and platforms.

• Competent in software development and version control, including the use of Git for tracking file versions and collaborative development.

• Experience with high-level programming and computational tools, such as Python and MATLAB (by MathWorks), for data analysis, simulation, and automation tasks.

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

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Karl Bertling bertling@eecs.uq.edu.au . For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

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

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

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.

Applications close Sunday 6 July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52994).

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