Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer - Experimental Hypersonics

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer - Experimental Hypersonics Apply locations St Lucia Campus time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id R-46840
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
Full-time (100%), permanent/fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
Australian citizenship is required to be considered for this position Based at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) - Eagle Farm, Brisbane
About This Opportunity We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to conduct research within the Centre for Hypersonics in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and Defence Science and Technology Group (Brisbane) on experimental hypersonics topics.
The 2024 National Defence Strategy identified hypersonics and long-range fires as defence innovation science and technology priorities.
This research project will be aimed at advancing the knowledge of high-speed airbreathing propulsion technologies relevant to long-range fires.
Project activities include (but are not limited to):
Research and development of airbreathing propulsion technologies for high-speed long-range flight, e.g.
liquid and solid-fuelled ramjets, scramjets, dual-mode scramjets and rotating detonation engines.
Research and development of novel fuels for application to airbreathing propulsion and thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
Development, refinement and implementation of numerical and experimentation tools for the design and analysis of airbreathing propulsion and thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
You will be based full-time at DSTG Brisbane (Eagle Farm) and are expected to work closely with the Disruptive Hypersonic Technologies (DHT) team in DSTG Brisbane, and the Missile & Space Propulsion (MSP) and Guided Weapons Systems Analysis (GWSA) teams in DSTG Edinburgh.
These researchers may also be required to travel to DSTG Edinburgh for technical interchange meetings.
Key responsibilities will include: Research (under the broad guidance of DSTG scientists/engineers and the UQ Supervisor):
Design and analyse high-speed airbreathing propulsion systems, test novel fuel candidates in engine configurations, and adapt existing systems for thermal management and fuel delivery.
Document progress and findings through technical reports, and present updates to DSTG colleagues, UQ supervisors, and in group discussions.
Support team activities, including the commissioning of test rigs and development of heated fuel delivery systems for ground-testing novel fuels.
Teaching: Support the effective supervision of graduate Defence engineers and cadets and assist with teaching as needed in consultation with the principal supervisor.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise or support students undertaking UQ's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework engineering projects and participate in the supervision of Higher Degree by Research (MPhil and PhD students) if required.
Citizenship and Service: Perform a range of administrative functions (including laboratory related admin tasks) in the DSTG research group as needed.
Contribute to the development of a positive safety culture.
Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor.
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 PhD in the area or significant progress towards the award of a PhD in Mechanical/ Aerospace Engineering with a preferred focus on experimental hypersonics or other compressible fluids/general fluid mechanics areas.
Strong preference will be given to those with demonstrated practical experience with hypersonic test facilities, ground-testing of high-speed airbreathing propulsion and/or their sub-systems, hypersonic flight vehicle prototypes, and practical mechanical design.
An Australian citizen with the ability to hold at minimum an Australian NV1 security clearance.
Strong preference will be given to those with an existing security clearance (NV1 or higher). Demonstrated ability to work independently within a group with minimal supervision to meet specific delegated objectives.
Demonstrated ability to interact constructively within a group to help meet higher order group objectives.
Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders and Defence.
Ability and willingness to:
Work effectively with the staff and students.
Supervise Defence engineers and cadets, honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students if required.
Ability to promote and adhere to a positive safety culture including the ability and willingness to assume the role of laboratory manager if required.
Demonstrated:
High level of drive and enthusiasm and be a self-starter.
High level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply: Australian Citizenship: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is an Australian citizen.
AGSVA Clearance: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is eligible and willing to apply for security clearances as required by the project activities.
Background Checks:All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to an educational check.
Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Anand Veeraragavan via ******.
For application queries, please contact ****** stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply? 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 ****** for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-46840).
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