Postdoctoral Fellow

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The School of Materials Science and Engineering is one of the top ranked Materials programs in the Asia-Pacific regions and strongly positioned in every facet of materials science and engineering. It offers undergraduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering (Honours), as well as a number of combined degree programs with Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Commerce.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and the School of Materials Science and Engineering and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research. This position will carry out research in an industry sponsored project over four years, requiring skills in high-temperature materials, process metallurgy, materials selection, and materials characterisation. This project will be conducted in collaboration with a key industry partner and other researchers and academics based at UNSW, Monash and Deakin. As part of the School’s academic staff, the Postdoctoral Fellow will also be expected to contribute to lab management and engagement and leadership in the institution.

About The Role

• $110K - $117K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 4 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
• The role of Postdoctoral Fellow reports to Professor Sophie Primig and has no direct reports. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also work closely with Professor Jianqiang Zhang and Emeritus Professor David Young.

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Develop understanding of Aluminium process metallurgy from bauxite, via alumina to Aluminium products.
• Develop new sustainable processing routes for bauxite and alumina in collaboration with our industry partner.
• Carry out experimental work on high temperature materials in our process and physical metallurgy labs (e.g., isothermal and cyclic thermal treatments under steam or controlled gas atmospheres, scale growth kinetics, direct reduction, arc melting etc.).
• Prepare microscopy samples using various metallography techniques.
• Carry out advanced microscopy including state-of-the-art methods of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and related.
• Carry out FactSage simulations to underpin experimental results.
• Address materials selection problems based on literature surveys and using the Ansys Granta materials selection software.
• Closely collaborate with industrial partners, researchers and academics at UNSW, Monash and Deakin.
• Prepare presentations and progress reports for our industrial partner.
• Prepare publications for submission to leading journals and conferences of the field.
• Liaise with the related School academic and technical staff on research progress, lab management and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned in consultation with the supervisor.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a related discipline and/or relevant work experience.
• Strong track record of research in Process Metallurgy, with particular focus on high temperature materials, phase transformations, characterisation techniques, and basic computational skills.
• Experience in advanced characterisation techniques (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction). Knowledge of those techniques and willingness to gain skills in other related techniques (e.g., energy dispersive spectroscopy).
• Experience in hot corrosion testing.
• Demonstrated experience in computational tools such as FactSage.
• Experience or interests in applied research at the interface of science, engineering and technology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment, with industrial partners and with academic collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to present research findings as evidenced by presentations at conferences and other venues.
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to prioritise a range of tasks and meet deadlines.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Sophie Primig E: s.primig@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: July 2nd, 2025

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.