PhD scholarship - Polarons

• Join the Centre for Quantum & Technology Theory
• Full-time, fixed-term position at our Hawthorn campus
• Scholarship stipend

About the Role 
The Centre for Quantum Technology Theory (CQTT) invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship to work on a cutting-edge research project supported by the Australian Research Council. This project focuses on polarons—quasiparticles representing impurities in quantum media—and seeks to deepen our understanding of their behaviour in ultracold atomic gases and complex quantum materials.

By harnessing ultracold atoms as highly controllable quantum simulators, the research aims to reveal how polarons interact and influence both few-body and many-body quantum phenomena. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced theoretical frameworks, the analysis of polaron interactions, and the exploration of exotic quantum phases through spectral signatures.

Applicants should possess a strong foundation in theoretical quantum physics, with a focus on ultracold gases or condensed matter systems. Experience with numerical simulations is expected, along with a high level of motivation and a genuine interest in fundamental research.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Theoretical background in ultracold quantum gases and condensed matter physics
• Demonstrated experience in numerical simulations

Qualifications
Master or Honours

About Swinburne University of Technology 
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research. 

To Apply 
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.  

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au 

Advertising closes: Sunday 12 October 2025, at 11.00pm (AEST)

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis during the advertising period. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action , Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
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