The Opportunity:
An interdisciplinary research team drawn from the UNSW Innovation Centre, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and UNSW Water Research Laboratory is seeking to appoint a two-year Postdoctoral Fellow, extendable to three years, to conduct research and build capacity in thermal hydraulics research at UNSW. The postdoctoral fellow will work across both the Faculty and the Centre to undertake world-class research and translate knowledge and expertise to build engineering capacity at UNSW and in Australia. The Postdoctoral Fellow will report to A/Prof Edward Obbard and has no direct reports.

• Salary, Level A - $91,381 - $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full Time (35 hours)
• Fixed-term contract – 2 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW:

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.

This position is based within UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering 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. Since the school’s foundation in 1949, the engineering industry has been revolutionised by changes in manufacturing such as automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. This new technology has created demand for a new breed of engineers. Our school has over 90 staff and more than 2,500 students, across undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s by coursework and PhD research study.

Skills & Experience:

• A PhD in a related discipline, such as experimental thermal hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering or nuclear engineering.
• Experience in optimising the operation of physical test rigs for the validation of computational models.
• Expertise and/or experience in the use of computational modelling tools to analyse thermal hydraulics and multiphase flow in conditions relevant to water cooled nuclear reactors.
• Knowledge of nuclear engineering and nuclear engineering design, and the ability to contextualise and describe the impact of fundamental phenomena on industrial, economic and safety related outcomes.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with disciplinary knowledge and developments in nuclear thermal hydraulics and nuclear engineering design.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Pre-Employment Checks:
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions 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: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday 13^th May 2026

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.