The Opportunity

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, in partnership with ANSTO (Australia), Imperial College London (UK), and Tokamak Energy (UK), is launching a groundbreaking research program focused on developing new materials for compact tokamak reactors and predicting their degradation over time. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to join the team and contribute to the modelling part of this initiative.

In this highly collaborative role, your work will be responsible for developing multi-scale models, spanning from the atomistic to the meso-scale, and performing the simulations that will feed into the model. The goal is to develop new physical understandings of how selected materials respond to radiation damage and transmutation in the extreme conditions of a fusion reactor. The team has a rich track record of developing and patenting new IP, with great impact for the fusion and materials communities.

The successful candidate will join A/Prof Patrick Burr’s diverse and multicultural research group. To learn more please visit https://www.patrickburr.com/group

At UNSW, you will become part of 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 with a strong background in computational materials science, especially at the atomic length scale.

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.
• Skills in programming or scripting, sufficient to develop or modify codes used for data analysis and for materials modelling.
• Demonstrated experience in performing simulations at the atomic-scale, such as density functional theory (e.g. VASP, Ab-init, Quantum espresso), molecular dynamics (e.g. LAMMPS, DL-POLY), development of inter-atomic potentials (e.g. pro-fit, MLIP-3).
• Knowledge of meso-scale models such as cluster dynamics (e.g. Xolotl, Centipede), object-kinetic Monte Carlo or similar.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Evidence of supervision or mentoring of students is desirable.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• 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.
• Well-developed programming skills.
• Demonstrated experience in performing simulations in at least two of the following area: density functional theory simulations (e.g. VASP, Ab-init, Quantum espresso); molecular dynamics simulations (e.g. LAMMPS, DL-POLY); development of inter-atomic potentials (e.g. pro-fit, MLIP-3);
• Demonstrated experience in meso-scale models such as cluster dynamics (e.g. Xolotl, Centipede), object-kinetic Monte Carlo or similar.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Excellent track record in research (3+ years post-PhD) with outcomes of high quality and high impact, relative to opportunity.
• Clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• Evidence of supervision or mentoring of students with a positive impact on the student and the research outcomes.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• 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 Friday 15 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.