Research Associate - Materials Science & Engineering

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THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The School of Materials Science and Engineering is one of the top ranked Materials programs in the Asia-

Pacific regions and strongly positioned in every facet of materials science and engineering. It offers undergraduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering (Honours), as well as a number of combined degree programs with Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Commerce.

The Research Associate contributes to a research project developing biopolymer-based energy harvesters that convert low-frequency mechanical motion into usable electrical power. This role is based in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and sits at the interface of materials science and electrical/mechatronics engineering, taking ownership of how we measure, treat, and optimise these materials as functional devices. The Research Associate is required to develop rigorous test and measurement strategies for energy harvesting under realistic operating conditions, apply and refine electrical treatments such as DC poling and corona charging, and systematically characterise electro-mechanical coupling to maximise power output.

About the role

• $113K - $121K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Develop and validate test and measurement protocols for characterising energy harvesting performance under realistic operating conditions, including impedance matching and maximum power measurement.
• Apply and refine electrical treatments such as DC poling and corona charging to biopolymer materials and systematically characterise the resulting electro-mechanical coupling and charge behaviour.
• Design, build, and automate experimental test setups, including instrument control and data acquisition, to support device characterisation and testing.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD (awarded or nearing completion) in materials science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in the electrical characterisation of materials or devices, such as impedance spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, or charge/current measurements using source-measure units or electrometers.
• A sound understanding of electro-mechanical coupling mechanisms (e.g., piezoelectricity, electrets, or related transduction phenomena).
• Good data analysis skills, including handling and interpretation of low-level electrical measurements.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in or knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
  • Experience building or automating experimental test setups, including instrument control and data acquisition (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
  • Experience with high-voltage electrical treatments of materials, such as corona charging or contact/DC poling.
  • Familiarity with surface potential and charge decay measurement techniques (e.g., Kelvin probe).
  • Experience characterising energy harvesting devices, including impedance matching, maximum power measurement, or energy harvesting circuits and power management ICs.
  • Experience with dynamic mechanical testing or coupled electro-mechanical measurements under cyclic loading.
  • Circuit design, PCB prototyping, or embedded/low-power electronics experience.
  • Working knowledge of polymers or soft materials and how processing affects their electrical and mechanical properties
  • Signal processing experience for low-level or noisy measurements.
• 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
John Daniels
E: *********@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: August 27th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

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