PhD Scholarship

- Centre for Quantum and Technology Theory
- Full-time, fixed term position at our Hawthorn campus
- Stipend of $33,500 p.a.

About the Scholarship

We are seeking a PhD student to join an ongoing project funded by the Australian Research Council, under the supervision of Prof. Xia-Ji Liu. The research will be conducted at the Centre for Quantum Technology Theory (CQTT). This full-time PhD scholarship is available for a duration of three years.

Polaritons, known as quantum fluids of light, are unique particles that are half-light and half-matter, exhibiting superfluidity—frictionless flows with zero energy cost. This project aims to advance our understanding of polaritons in the strongly interacting regime far from equilibrium, addressing the knowledge gap needed to achieve room-temperature superfluid light. This breakthrough is expected to usher in a new era of quantum polaritonics, laying the groundwork for energy-efficient lasers and all-optical transistors, and positioning Australia as a global leader in the commercialization of innovative photonic technologies.

The project will open a new direction in the studies of quantum polaritons by addressing several challenge topics,
- Determining the polariton-polariton interaction strength,
- Clarifying the non-equilibrium phase diagram of polaritons at very strong light-matter coupling,
- Exploring emergent quasiparticles of polariton-polarons in the highly imbalanced condition.

About you
To be successful in the role, you will have:
- Mater or Honours
- Theoretical background in ultracold quantum gases and condensed matter physics
- Demonstrated experience in numerical simulations
- A valid working with children’s check card (or ability to obtain prior to or upon commencement).

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, 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, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

- Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
- Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
- Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
- Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing why you believe you are suitable for this position.

For further information about this position, contact Professor, Xia-Ji Liu at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Applications Close: Sunday 15th September 2024 at 11pm.

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Equity and Diversity
Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For any support please contact [email protected] or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

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.

(Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position)