Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

• School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering - Faculty of EAIT

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 29 August 2025

• Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to join the rapidly expanding research effort into high temperature composite materials. In this position you will develop new ceramic matrix composite materials and processes in support of industry focused research projects.

High-temperature composite materials are essential for advancing aerospace and energy technologies, and the University of Queensland leads in this field with a focus on sovereign high-temperature composite materials and manufacturing. You will join a dedicated research team to support the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies for oxide ceramic matrix composites and also collaborate closely with team members to optimise materials and scalable manufacturing processes for industry transfer, while also contributing to service and engagement activities.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research: Develop innovative ceramic matrix composite materials and scalable manufacturing processes to support industry-focused research projects. Collaborate with team members to optimise material solutions and enhance industry transfer. Produce high-quality research outputs in reputable outlets and actively seek competitive research funding. Work with colleagues on joint research projects, aiming to translate knowledge and technology to research end-users, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property. Establish a coherent research program with an emerging profile, incorporating best-practice research methodologies.

Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supporting their development and ensuring effective guidance. Manage research support staff according to University policies throughout their employment, addressing conflicts and grievances promptly and professionally.

Citizenship and Service: Exhibit citizenship behaviours that reflect UQ values, demonstrating leadership through collaboration and active engagement in key initiatives. Support academic roles and unit operations during team absences, contribute to internal service roles, decision-making, and committees. Engage in external service activities and initiate partnerships with industry, government, professional organizations, and the broader community.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance .

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering.

• Emerging research profile within Materials and Manufacturing Engineering.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with industry partners on joint development projects.

• Expertise in oxide ceramics processing, material characterisation, and manufacturing process development.

• Strong team collaboration and time management skills.

• Proven ability to independently plan and execute research activities.

• Record of publications in reputable journals and presentations at conferences.

• Contributions towards securing external research funding.

• Experience in internal service roles and external engagement activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, etc. 

Work Rights:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Michael Heitzmann via m.heitzmann@uq.edu.au . For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close on Sunday, 16 February 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44957).

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