Research Assistant (optical engineering)

Overview:

• ​​Full-time​, ​Fixed Term position for two years​
• Salary Academic Level A + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the ​Melbourne CBD​ campus, ​and hybrid ways of working​ 
• ​​Full-time​, ​Fixed Term position for two years​
• Salary Academic Level A + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the ​Melbourne CBD​ campus, ​and hybrid ways of working​ 

About You 
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled PhD graduate with expertise in biophotonics, optical engineering, or physics to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team as a Research Scientist/Engineer, working towards development and validation of an innovative nanophotonic therapy to treat drugresistant hypertension. The ideal candidate will have advanced skills in optical design and fabrication, with the ability to prototype and test light delivery and optical feedback systems. This role also involves conducting numerical modelling of light propagation in biological tissues, contributing to the development of cutting-edge optical technologies for biomedical applications. 
 
Drug-resistant hypertension is a critical and growing global health challenge, affecting millions of patients who fail to respond to standard treatments. By joining this project, you have the opportunity to directly improve quality of life, reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, and make a transformative impact on public health. This work not only pushes the boundaries of medical science but also contributes to solving one of the most pressing unmet needs in healthcare today 
 

To be successful in this position, you’ll have:  

• PhD in Biophotonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in optical design, fabrication, and prototyping
• Strong proficiency in numerical modelling of light propagation in complex media, including biological tissues.
• Expertise in optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, COMSOL, FDTD solutions) and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++).
• Hands-on experience with optical characterization tools such as spectrometers, lasers, and imaging systems.
• Experience with biophotonics applications, such as endoscopy, optical fiber technologies, or laserbased therapies.
• Knowledge of tissue optics and photothermal/ photochemical effects.
• Familiarity with microfabrication techniques and nanophotonic device development.
• Current Level 2 or higher Laser Safety Supervisor certificate.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and support within your area of expertise for other stakeholders, including academics, students, technical staff, contractors, consultants and suppliers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong record of scientific publications.
• Ability to work autonomously whilst displaying a strong commitment to work in a team environment, including the demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively work with colleagues, project team leaders, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage varying workloads and respond to changing priorities as required 

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

About The ​College​

STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEMM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.  
 
The College is renowned for its exemplary research in many STEM areas including advanced manufacturing and design; computing technologies; health innovation and translational medicine; nano materials and devices; and sustainable systems. Our brilliant researchers attract funding from government and industry sources. 
 
Industry is at the heart of what we do. It ensures our research has real world impact, and our students are truly work-ready. Under the leadership of DVC and Vice-President, Digital Innovation, we have established new hubs of industry-connected digital innovation and endeavour and are engaging with global STEM organisations at scale. 
 
Our diversity and shared values empower our work, and we are proud of the College’s inclusive, caring culture. We offer a safe, dynamic work environment, and support every member of our community of achieve their potential. The College appointed Victoria’s first ever Dean of STEM, Diversity & Inclusion in 2020, and this role drives gender equity, diversity and inclusion strategies across the College.  

STEM College employs 1,000 staff who deliver onshore and offshore programs to approximately 20,000 students.  

 
We are here to positively impact the world and create the next generation of STEM leaders. For more information, visit https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/stem-college 

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing ​your suitability​ for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.  

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Dr. Blanca del Rosal Rabes via email blanca.delrosal@rmit.edu.au 
 

Position Description - Research Assistant, Optical Engineering

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.    

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Applications Close:

7 Nov 2025 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

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