The Opportunity

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.

In this role you will focus 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 the project outcomes that will provide insight into the feasibility and potential of advanced, quasi-aneutronic fusion energy reactor concepts. For HB-11 Energy, the results will directly inform the company’s technology roadmap and contribute to balance-of-plant modelling to assess economic viability. The successful candidate will join Patrick Burr’s diverse and multicultural research group and collaborate with the HB-11 Energy research team, also located in Sydney. For more information on the research group of A/Prof Patrick Burr, please visit https://www.patrickburr.com/group

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.

• 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 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 School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering that is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become industry leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious schools Australia for thriving research programs and contribution to education excellence in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronic Engineering. Our Schools QS ranking for 2023 is #49 globally and the highest in Australia The ARWU (Shanghai) Rankings for 2023 ranked the subject Mechanical Engineering at #36 globally and the highest in Australia. Aerospace Engineering at UNSW was ranked #45 globally. For further information on our school go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/mechanical-and-manufacturing-engineering

The UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre is a pioneering hub dedicated to advancing Australia’s nuclear science industry. Launched in February 2024, the Centre fosters cross-disciplinary and cross-industry collaborations, focusing on areas such as medicine, irradiated materials, waste management, space exploration, and mining. By bringing together experts from various fields, the Centre aims to drive innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and nurture future leaders. Its mission is to enhance research, education, and training, ensuring the prosperity and competitiveness of Australia’s nuclear technology sector. For more information please visit - https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/nuclear-innovation-centre

Skills & Experience

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A)

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: engineering design, thermodynamics calculations, heat transfer, fluid flow, radiation shielding, radiation damage, particle transport.
• Computational skills allowing to compose or modify comprehensive simulation open-source codes.
• Experience in data analysis and simulations of complex and coupled nuclear engineering problems, using techniques such as (but not limited to) molecular dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, activation decay codes, kinetic Monte Carlo codes, particle transport codes, finite element or finite different methods, peridynamics, phase field models, multi-objective optimisation methods, CAD.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to fast-changing project direction and learn new skills or techniques to meet project objectives.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research, individually or in a team.
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• 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.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Senior Research Associate (Level B)

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in at least two of the following research areas: engineering design, thermodynamics calculations, heat transfer, fluid flow, radiation shielding, radiation damage, particle transport.
• Computational skills allowing to compose or modify comprehensive simulation open-source codes.
• Experience in data analysis and simulations of complex and coupled nuclear engineering problems, using techniques such as (but not limited to) molecular dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, activation decay codes, kinetic Monte Carlo codes, particle transport codes, finite element or finite different methods, peridynamics, phase field models, multi-objective optimisation methods, CAD.
• Demonstrated excellent track record in research (3+ years post-PhD) with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to fast-changing project direction and learn new skills or techniques to meet project objectives.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• 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.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

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.

Contact:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday 13 August 2025

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.