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Research Fellow - Nanotechnology and Nanofabrication - Job Opportunity at La Trobe University

Bundoora, Australia
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
AUD 85,000-120,000 annually for Level A positions, AUD 105,000-140,000 for Level B positions, reflecting Australian academic pay scales for research-intensive roles with specialized technical requirements and industry collaboration potential

Benefits

Premium superannuation contribution at 17% employer rate providing enhanced retirement security above standard market rates
On-campus childcare facilities enabling work-life integration and reduced family care costs
Flexible work arrangements supporting modern workforce expectations and productivity optimization
Comprehensive staff and family education discounts across La Trobe course offerings providing significant professional development value
Academic career progression pathways with structured level advancement opportunities
Access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and cleanroom environments

Key Responsibilities

Lead independent high-impact nanotechnology research initiatives that advance optical biosensor development for global diagnostic applications
Drive research dissemination strategy through high-tier publications, international conferences, and professional networks to establish thought leadership
Provide specialized mentorship to honors and postgraduate students, developing next-generation nanotechnology expertise
Champion nanofabrication best practices and protocol development within research groups to ensure operational excellence
Innovate data acquisition and analysis methodologies using cutting-edge techniques to advance field knowledge
Spearhead collaborative design and testing of nanofabricated photonic devices using state-of-the-art equipment
Secure external grant funding to sustain and expand research capabilities (Level B)
Lead supervision of research staff and Higher Degree by Research students to build institutional research capacity (Level B)

Requirements

Education

PhD or equivalent qualification in nanotechnology, nanofabrication, photonics, materials science, or directly relevant engineering discipline

Experience

Post-doctoral research experience directly relevant to nanofabrication (Level B), demonstrated independent research capability with minimal supervision

Required Skills

Demonstrated practical experience and skills in cleanroom environments Micro- and nanofabrication techniques Related characterisation techniques Data analysis and modelling Integrating diverse data sources Publications or professional and technical contributions demonstrating research capability Ability to supervise or co-supervise Honours, Masters, and/or PhD students (Level B) Grant application and funding acquisition capabilities (Level B)

Certifications

Valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check Full Working Rights in Australia
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global biosensor market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by point-of-care diagnostics demand, particularly in resource-poor settings where traditional laboratory infrastructure is limited. This trend is accelerating post-pandemic as healthcare systems prioritize rapid, accurate diagnostic capabilities at the point of need. Nanotechnology integration in photonic devices represents a critical convergence technology, with optical biosensors becoming increasingly sophisticated through nanofabrication advances. The market is shifting toward miniaturized, highly sensitive devices that can detect biomarkers at extremely low concentrations. Academic-industry partnerships in nanotechnology are intensifying as commercial applications of research accelerate. Universities are becoming key innovation hubs for translating fundamental research into commercially viable diagnostic technologies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The Australian government's focus on advanced manufacturing and medical technology innovation is creating substantial funding opportunities for nanotechnology research, particularly projects with clear pathways to commercial application and global health impact.

Role Significance

Typically leading teams of 5-12 researchers including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff, with responsibility for coordinating multi-disciplinary collaborations across engineering, materials science, and biomedical research groups
Senior research position with significant autonomy and leadership responsibilities, positioned as a key technical expert driving institutional research strategy in emerging nanotechnology applications. The role carries substantial influence over research direction and student development, with clear pathway to academic leadership positions.

Key Projects

Development of next-generation optical biosensors for infectious disease detection in low-resource settings Advanced nanofabrication protocol development for scalable photonic device manufacturing Cross-disciplinary collaborations integrating nanotechnology with biomedical applications Industry partnership projects focused on translating research innovations into commercial diagnostic platforms Grant-funded research initiatives supporting national advanced manufacturing priorities

Success Factors

Demonstrated excellence in translating fundamental nanotechnology research into practical applications with clear commercial or social impact, particularly in healthcare diagnostics where technical innovation must meet stringent performance and cost requirements. Strong publication record in high-impact journals combined with practical nanofabrication expertise, showing ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on technical execution in cleanroom environments and device characterization. Proven mentorship and leadership capabilities in guiding student research while building collaborative relationships across disciplines, essential for the cross-functional nature of modern nanotechnology research. Grant writing and funding acquisition skills, particularly important in the competitive Australian research funding landscape where securing external support determines research program sustainability and growth. Industry engagement capabilities to ensure research alignment with commercial applications and technology transfer opportunities, critical for maximizing the real-world impact of nanotechnology innovations.

Market Demand

High demand driven by convergence of healthcare digitization, nanotechnology commercialization, and growing emphasis on point-of-care diagnostics, with limited supply of candidates possessing both academic research excellence and practical nanofabrication expertise

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Cleanroom experience and nanofabrication expertise are absolutely essential as the role involves hands-on device fabrication and testing using sophisticated equipment that requires extensive training and experience to operate safely and effectively Independent research capability with minimal supervision is crucial given the specialized nature of the work and the need to drive innovation in emerging technology areas where established protocols may not exist Data analysis and modeling skills are fundamental for interpreting complex experimental results and developing new characterization methods for nanoscale devices and biosensor performance Publication and dissemination abilities are vital for establishing research credibility and securing future funding opportunities in the competitive academic research environment

Beneficial Skills

Grant writing and funding acquisition experience would significantly enhance career prospects and research program sustainability, particularly important in the Australian research funding landscape Industry collaboration experience would be valuable for translating research outcomes into practical applications and establishing partnerships for technology commercialization International research network connections would support collaboration opportunities and enhance the global impact of research outcomes Teaching and curriculum development experience could open additional career pathways in academic institutions and support professional development goals Entrepreneurship and commercialization knowledge would be increasingly valuable as nanotechnology research moves toward practical applications and startup opportunities

Unique Aspects

Direct focus on developing diagnostic technologies for resource-poor settings, providing meaningful social impact alongside technical innovation and research excellence
Integration of advanced nanofabrication capabilities with practical biosensor applications, offering rare combination of fundamental research and applied technology development
Fixed-term position with clear research objectives and deliverables, providing focused opportunity to make significant impact in emerging field
Access to state-of-the-art cleanroom and nanofabrication facilities, enabling cutting-edge research that few institutions can support
Strong emphasis on building research leadership and expertise in optical biosensors, positioning for long-term career development in rapidly growing field

Career Growth

3-7 years for progression to senior academic or industry leadership roles, depending on research impact, publication success, and grant funding achievements, with faster progression possible through successful technology commercialization or major research breakthroughs

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Fellow or Principal Research Fellow positions with expanded research program leadership and institutional strategic responsibility Academic positions as Associate Professor or Professor with teaching responsibilities and department leadership roles Industry R&D leadership roles in biotechnology or medical device companies focusing on diagnostic technologies Government or policy positions in science and technology development, particularly in advanced manufacturing or healthcare innovation Entrepreneurial opportunities founding or joining startups commercializing nanotechnology research innovations

Company Overview

La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a prominent Australian public research university with strong emphasis on practical, industry-relevant research and innovation. The institution has established significant research capabilities in nanotechnology and engineering, with particular strength in translational research that bridges academic excellence with real-world applications. The university's School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences represents a major investment in technology research infrastructure.

Ranked among Australia's top research universities with growing international recognition for engineering and technology innovation, particularly in collaborative research with industry partners and government agencies. The university's research output and industry engagement positions it as a key player in Australia's advanced manufacturing and technology development ecosystem.
La Trobe University serves as a major research and education hub in Melbourne's northern corridor, with strong connections to Australia's biomedical and technology industries. The Bundoora campus provides access to Melbourne's extensive research and innovation ecosystem while maintaining specialized facilities for advanced research activities.
Collaborative, research-intensive environment emphasizing practical impact and innovation translation, with strong support for professional development and career advancement. The university culture promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement, providing researchers with opportunities to work across traditional academic boundaries while maintaining rigorous research standards.
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