Postdoctoral Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Fusion Reactor Engineering Design [...]

Job Description

<p><h3>Postdoctoral Research Associate / Senior Research Associate – Fusion Reactor Engineering Design and Simulations</h3>
<p>This position is posted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, in partnership with the fusion energy company HB‑11 Energy. The successful applicant will conduct independent and collaborative research on the design, development and simulation of engineering solutions for inertial fusion energy reactor concepts using advanced fuels.</p>
<h3>Position Details</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Type:</b> Fixed‑term contract – 3 years</li>
<li><b>Duration:</b> Full time</li>
<li><b>Location:</b> Kensington – Sydney, Australia</li>
<li><b>Salary:</b> Level A – AUD 113,911 – 121,838 per annum + 17% super bài; Level B – AUD 127,947 – 150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation</li>
<li><b>Reporting to:</b> Associate Professor Patrick Burr (no direct reports)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Responsibilities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Couple the optimisation of fuel target development with the design of the reactor chamber and auxiliary systems such as cooling, shielding, and laser optics.</li>
<li>Perform life‑assessments of components under intense X‑ray, neutron and charged‑particle flux.</li>
<li>Conduct material selection for structural and functional reactor components.</li>
<li>Explore advanced and conventional cooling systems and energy‑extraction and conversion pathways.</li>
<li>Investigate target‑delivery mechanisms and radiation‑shielding options.</li>
<li>Contribute to project outcomes that inform HB‑11 Energy’s technology roadmap and balance‑of‑plant modelling pleasantly.</li>
<li>Collaborate with Patrick Burr’s research group and the HB‑11 Energy research team.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Qualifications & Experience</h3>
<h3>Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A)</h3>
<ul>
<li>A PhD in a related discipline or relevant work experience.</li>
<li>Experience in at least two of: engineering design; thermodynamics calculations; heat transfer; fluid flow; radiation shielding; radiation damage; particle transport.</li>
<li>Computational skills allowing composition or modification of comprehensive open‑source simulation codes.</li>
<li>Experience in data analysis and simulation of complex, coupled nuclear‑engineering problems, using techniques such as molecular dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, activation‑decay codes, kinetic Monte Carlo, particle‑transport codes, finite‑element or finite‑difference methods, peridynamics, phase‑field models, multi‑objective optimisation, or CAD.</li>
<li>Demonstrated adaptability to fast‑changing project direction and ability to learn new skills or techniques to meet objectives.</li>
<li>Proven commitment to staying current with discipline knowledge and developments.</li>
<li>Ability to undertake high‑quality academic research, individually or in a team.</li>
<li>Track record of peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.</li>
<li>Highly developed interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.</li>
<li>Proficiency in communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.</li>
<li>Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.</li>
<li>Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to relevant training.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Senior Research Associate (Level B)</h3>
<ul>
<li>A PhD in a related discipline or relevant work experience.</li>
<li>Demonstrated excellence in at least two of: engineering design; thermodynamics calculations; heat transfer; fluid flow; radiation shielding; radiation damage; particle transport.</li>
<li>Computational skills allowing composition or modification of comprehensive open Prospect simulation codes.</li>
<li>Experience in data analysis and simulation of complex, coupled nuclear‑engineering problems, using techniques such as molecular dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, activation‑decay codes, kinetic Monte Carlo, particle‑transport codes, finite‑element or finite‑difference methods, peridynamics, phase‑field models, multi‑objective optimisation, or CAD.</li>
<li>Exemplary research record (3+ years post‑PhD) with high‑quality and high‑impact outcomes, evidence of ongoing research ឆ្នាំ excellence and leadership capacity.</li>
<li>Adaptability to fast‑changing project direction and ability to learn new skills or techniques to meet objectives.</li>
<li>Continual commitment to staying current with discipline knowledge and developments.</li>
<li>Highly developed interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.</li>
<li>Proficiency in communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.</li>
<li>Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.</li>
<li>Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to relevant training.</li>
harm health
</ul>
<p>Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.</p>
<h3>Benefits & Compensation</h3>
<p>Salary is competitive with AUD 113,911–150,830 per annum (depending on level) plus 17% superannuation. The contract is fixed‑term for 3 years with full‑time engagement.</p>
<h3>Application Process</h3>
<p>Please click the “apply now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter, and Responses to the Skills and Experience sections. Address the listed Skills and Experience explicitly in your application.</p>
<h3>Pre‑Employment Checks</h3>
<p>All candidates must complete the required pre‑employment checks: national/international criminal history checks, entitlement to work & ID checks, working‑with‑children checks, gender‑based violence prevention declaration, verification of qualifications and professional режиме, employment history and reference checks, financial responsibility checks, medical checks and assessments.</p>
<h3>Contact Information</h3>
<p><b>Role‑specific enquiries:</b> Patrick Burr (Group Leader) – E: p.burr@unsw.edu.au</p>
<p><b>Recruitment process enquiries:</b> Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner) – E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au</p>
<p><b>Applications close:</b> 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday 12 February 2026</p>
<p>UNSW offers a supportive and inclusive community. We welcome 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.</p>
<p>UNSW reserves the right not to unopened with any appointment.</p></p>
#J-18808-Ljbffr