Post-doctoral Fellow in Electric Machine Design

The School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow. In this role, you will conduct both independent and collaborative research to advance expertise in electric machine design and optimisation, with a focus on permanent-magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) for rare-earth-lean, premium-efficiency, high-specific-power applications. You will publish in leading venues, mentor HDR students, and engage with industry partners across multiple ARC and other funded projects. This role reports to Professor Rukmi Dutta and works closely with the broader supervisory team.

Level A, Salary – AUD $113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation. Full Time (35-hours a week). Fixed-term contract – 12 months. Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia.

About UNSW: UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place. The UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of its kind in Australia.

Skills & Experience:

• A PhD in Electrical/Mechatronic/Mechanical Engineering (machines & drives focus).
• Strong background in electrical machine design and optimisation, with proven capability using finite-element and multiphysics tools such as ANSYS Maxwell/Workbench, Motor-CAD, JMAG, Altair Flux, and COMSOL.
• Demonstrated experience spanning requirements definition, CAD/FEA modelling, multi-objective optimisation (e.g., DOE/GA/surrogates), prototype build, and laboratory validation.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications (e.g., IEEE and IET Transactions, etc.) and delivery against milestones.
• Hands-on skills in measurement, data acquisition, and power-electronics/inverter interfaces; safety-conscious lab practice.
• Desirable: high-speed rotors; Halbach magnet array, rare-earth-lean design concepts; integrated/direct cooling and thermo-mechanical co-design; SiC inverter co-design; reliability/NVH; design-for-manufacture including additive/advanced methods.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, build effective relationships, and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Pre-Employment Checks: Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following 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

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW. To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

How to Apply: To Apply: Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application. Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below. Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 16th February 2026.

Contact: Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

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.