Postdoctoral research associate at UNSW Sydney (Kensington campus), Australia
Level A - Salary, $97,368 to $104,143 per annum + 17% superannuation
Full time or Part time
Fixed-term contract – 12 months, renewable to 24 months

Your research will provide insight into the radiation-induced degradation of advanced shielding materials exposed to a fusion reactor environment by performing atomic scale simulations of tungsten borides and other advanced ceramics. The work is part of a partnership between UNSW and our industry partner Tokamak Energy, and you will collaborate with colleagues at Imperial College London and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). This opportunity will allow you to publish high-quality research articles and contribute to the development of materials to address industry challenges in nuclear fusion.

We are a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive group, and the candidate is expected to work closely with all other team members, which include Honours students, PhD students, Research Assistants, Postdoctoral Research Associates and academic staff. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The role of Research Associate will report to Dr Patrick Burr and has no direct reports.

Selection Criteria (Skills & Experience)

• PhD in Materials Science/Engineering or in condensed matter physics, awarded in the last 5 years or to be awarded within the year of commencement. (Applicants without PhD level may also be considered, based on other relevant or equivalent research experience).
• Knowledge in the area of nuclear materials or radiation-matter interaction would be preferable.
• Experience in performing atomic-scale calculations using DFT packages (e.g. VASP, CASTEP, CRYSTAL), and/or classical potential/force-field packages (e.g. LAMMPS, GULP, DL-Poly).
• Coding skills in a scientific programming language and/or unix operating systems (R, python, bash).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Knowledge and application of the principles underpinning successful grant writing.
• Experience of working with team members and PhD/Masters students to help build their research skill and knowledge and to support and guide their professional development.
• Exceptional 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.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions can be found in the position description via the link, Position Description - Research Associate in Materials Engineering (501870).pdf or via the advert on https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/

Apply via the UNSW jobs website. Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to Selection Criteria (skills and experience) nominated in the Position Description.