Characterise quantum cascade lasers, build and align the optical benches, and turn a laser-based biosensing concept into a robust, field-ready device for livestock health monitoring.

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term to 31 January 2028, with potential to transition to a permanent position.

Start: As soon as possible.

Eligibility: Australian citizens or permanent residents only. No visa sponsorship available.

Applications close: Friday 23 October 2026.

About the Role iQ Sense is seeking a hands-on Biosensor Hardware Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team developing next-generation photonic biosensing technology for real-time livestock health and zoonotic disease monitoring. The role will focus on the optical and electronic hardware that turns our laser-based sensing technology into a robust, integrated device.

You will work primarily at the bench, characterising lasers and detectors, building and debugging optical and electronic test systems, integrating sensing components, and supporting laboratory validation through animal studies and field trials. Your work will contribute directly to technology designed to strengthen animal health outcomes and Australia's biosecurity resilience.

Key Responsibilities

- Characterise quantum cascade lasers and infrared detectors, including output power, spectrum and tuning, pulsed operation, temperature behaviour, and noise.
- Build, evaluate and tune pulsed laser drivers and low-noise detector readout systems, working with contract PCB designers on layout and implementation.
- Build, align and troubleshoot optical test benches, including coupling optics, detection set-ups, and measurement automation.
- Work with biotechnology colleagues to measure antigen/antibody binding on functionalised sensing surfaces, including signal versus concentration, specificity, and drift.
- Integrate lasers, detectors, optics, and sensing elements into compact hardware prototypes suitable for laboratory and field deployment.




- Design and execute test protocols, analyse performance data, and improve system reliability and repeatability.
- Support laboratory validation, animal studies and field trials with university and industry partners.
- Document designs, experiments, and results clearly, and contribute to technical reports, intellectual property, and patent development.

Essential Requirements

- Postgraduate degree in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. A PhD is advantageous.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience with semiconductor lasers and photodetectors; quantum cascade laser experience is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build, align, debug, and validate optical laboratory set-ups independently.
- Practical experience with laser characterisation, pulsed drivers, temperature control, and low-noise detection techniques such as lock-in or boxcar detection.
- Hands-on experience with infrared absorption measurements using laser-based systems or FTIR.
- Confidence using spectrometers, power meters, oscilloscopes, and lock-in amplifiers, together with scripting for data acquisition and analysis using Python or LabVIEW.
- Ability to specify electronics requirements and review PCB designs with external engineering partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the initiative to take ownership of work in a small, fast-moving multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Experience

- Cooled or uncooled infrared detectors and associated readout electronics.
- Immunoassays such as ELISA,



or label-free biosensors measuring antigen/antibody binding.
- Wearable or implantable device development and familiarity with ISO 10993 or ISO 13485.
- Optomechanical design, rugged electronics, or prototype development for outdoor/field environments.
- Experience supporting animal-health, agricultural, veterinary or biosecurity technology projects.

Why Join iQ Sense

- Competitive remuneration reflecting skills and experience.
- Meaningful work developing novel technology supporting animal health and Australian biosecurity.
- Hands-on impact taking a new biosensing platform from prototype through laboratory validation, animal studies, and field trials.
- Professional growth across photonics, biosensing, hardware integration and real-world deployment.
- A collaborative setting, working directly with engineers, scientists, university researchers, and industry partners, with genuine ownership and autonomy.

About iQ Sense iQ Sense is an Australian technology company developing advanced photonic biosensing for continuous animal health monitoring that detects change before clinical signs appear. Our multidisciplinary platform combines sensing, hardware, and biological validation to support earlier detection and longitudinal monitoring of animal health. We are a mission-driven team focused on translating innovative sensing technology into practical tools for veterinarians, farmers, and the wider agricultural industry.

How to Apply

Email your CV and a short cover note to [email protected] with the subject line "Biosensor Hardware Engineer - [Your Name]". In your note, briefly describe a laboratory set-up you personally built, what it measured, how you approached the design, and what went wrong along the way.

Applications close Friday 23 October 2026. Only applicants with Australian citizenship or permanent residency can be considered for this role.

📌 Biosensor Hardware Engineer (Photonics, Lasers & Detectors) (Brisbane)
🏢 IQ Sense Technology
📍 Brisbane