Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Design and Simulation for Composites in London

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales is seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to contribute to research in the structural health monitoring of metallic and composite structures, particularly those produced through advanced automated manufacturing processes.

Working within the ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites (AMAC), you will provide technical and intellectual input into industry-focused research projects, collaborate closely with academic and industry partners, and support the delivery of high-impact outcomes that advance both fundamental knowledge and real-world applications. This position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output.

You will contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participate in conferences and workshops, supervise HDR students, and actively engage with industry partners. The role reports to the Centre Director, Professor Gangadhara Prusty, and has no direct reports.

Salary

• Research Associate (Level A) – AUD $113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step 1) – AUD $127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation

Full time Fixed‑term contract – 18 months

Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

Research Associate (Level A)

• PhD (or soon to be awarded) in Materials, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Sound understanding of engineering design fundamentals: properties of materials and composites are essential.
• Relevant work experience in the field of modelling and simulation of metallic and composite structures.
• Demonstrated experience in composites manufacturing, testing, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the submission of proposals for competitive external funding that support collaborative research activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.

Senior Research Associate (Level B)

• PhD in an area of direct relevance, including but not limited to Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Robotics Engineering.
• Sound understanding of engineering design fundamentals: properties of materials and composites are essential.
• Relevant work experience in the field of modelling and simulation of metallic and composite structures.
• Demonstrated experience in composites manufacturing, testing, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
• Extensive experience in translating research results into practical outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in attracting research funding from governmental and/or industrial sectors.
• Excellent level of communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising research students.
• Demonstrated collaboration with industry partners on research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Willingness to undertake any compliance and supervisor training as required.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Pre-Employment Checks

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday 11 June 2026.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.