Postdoctoral Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Fusion Reactor Engineering Design [...] in Manchester

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) or Senior Research Associate (Level B) to pursue the design development and simulations of engineering solutions for fusion energy reactor design. The successful candidate will carry out both independent and team research within a collaborative partnership between UNSW and the fusion energy company HB-11 Energy. This position supports a broader project aimed at accelerating the development of inertial fusion energy reactor concepts using advanced fuels.

This job is based in Australia.

Role Focus

The role focuses on coupling the optimisation of fuel target development, conducted by the industrial partner, with the design of the reactor chamber and auxiliary systems such as cooling, shielding, and laser optics. Work will include:

• Life assessments of components under intense x-ray, neutron, and charged-particle flux;
• Material selection for structural and functional reactor components;
• Exploration of advanced and conventional cooling systems;
• Energy extraction and conversion pathways;
• Target delivery mechanisms; and
• Radiation shielding options.

Your research will contribute to project outcomes that provide insight into the feasibility and potential of advanced, quasi-aneutronic fusion energy reactor concepts. For HB-11 Energy, the results will inform the company’s technology roadmap and balance-of-plant modelling to assess economic viability. The successful candidate will join A/Prof Patrick Burr’s diverse and multicultural research group and collaborate with the HB-11 Energy research team, also located in Sydney.

At UNSW, you will join a vibrant materials research community within the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre. This appointment is one of up to six new postdoctoral positions in this research area for 2025.

This position is best suited for candidates who have experience working across fields of nuclear physics, engineering design and/or materials science. The role reports to Associate Professor Patrick Burr and has no direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design development and simulations for fusion energy reactor concepts in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Collaborate on coupling fuel target optimisation with reactor and auxiliary-system design.
• Assess life-cycle performance of reactor components under high flux conditions.
• Conduct material selection for structural and functional components.
• Explore cooling, shielding, energy extraction, and target delivery options.
• Support balance-of-plant modelling and economic viability assessments.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Experience in at least two of: engineering design, thermodynamics calculations, heat transfer, fluid flow, radiation shielding, radiation damage, particle transport.
• Computational skills to modify or develop simulation open-source codes.
• Experience in data analysis and simulations of complex, coupled nuclear-engineering problems using methods such as molecular dynamics, CFD, activation decay codes, kinetic Monte Carlo, particle transport codes, finite element or finite difference methods, peridynamics, phase field models, multi-objective optimisation methods, CAD.
• Ability to adapt to fast-changing project directions and learn new skills to meet objectives.
• Commitment to staying up-to-date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Ability to undertake high-quality academic research, individually or in a team, with a track record of peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders and students.
• Understanding of UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.

Benefits & Details

• Salary: Level A – AUD $113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Level B – AUD $127,947 to $150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term contract – 3 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About Us

UNSW is a diverse and inclusive workplace focused on safety, integrity, and impact. The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is internationally recognised for excellence in research and teaching, contributing to aerospace, mechanical engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronic engineering. The UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre drives cross-disciplinary collaborations to advance Australia’s nuclear science industry.

To Apply

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. Systematically address the listed Skills and Experience within the position description in your application.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s safety and integrity focus, preference will be given to candidates who participate in pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Checks may include some of the following: National and International Criminal history checks; Entitlement to work and ID checks; Working With Children Checks; Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration; Verification of qualifications and professional membership; Employment history and references; Financial responsibility assessments; Medical checks and assessments. Compliance with the necessary checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, contact A/Prof Patrick Burr (Group Leader) at p.burr@unsw.edu.au. For recruitment process questions, contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner) at eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday 12 February 2026

UNSW is committed to equity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide workplace adjustments for disability. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.