The Opportunity:

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) has an opportunity for two Post-Doctoral Fellows. The position will contribute to research and development of advanced photovoltaic technologies, with a focus on silicon solar cell and module fabrication, metallisation, interconnection, characterisation, and related manufacturing processes. Research activities may include process development, device analysis, simulation and modelling, and technoeconomic assessment of emerging photovoltaic technologies. The role of Post-Doctoral Fellow reports to Dr. Catherine Chan and has no direct reports.

These two positions are being offered as either a Post-Doctoral Fellow Level A or Level B, the appointment level will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This role involves both domestic and international travel associated with research collaboration, industry engagement, and experimental activities where required. Chinese (Mandarin) language skills would be advantageous given the collaborative and international nature of photovoltaic research and manufacturing activities.

• Salary:
  • Level A, Research Associate - AUD$113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
  • Level B, Senior Research Associate - AUD$127,947 to $150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full Time (35 hours)
• Fixed-Term contract – 12 months
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia (on campus requirement)

About UNSW:

This position is within the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) that is internationally recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy. For more than 40 years, UNSW has played a pioneering role in advancing photovoltaic technologies, including the invention of the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) architecture, which transformed the global solar industry. SPREE’s work and people have changed the face of sustainable energy on the global stage, and we continue to be at the forefront of leading-edge research and development in the field of renewable technology as our economies transition away from fossil fuels. For more information on our school please go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/photovoltaic-and-renewable-energy-engineering

Skills & Experience:

Level A

• A PhD in a related discipline with demonstrated research experience in silicon photovoltaics.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of photovoltaic research, such as silicon solar cell fabrication, metallisation, interconnection, device characterisation, simulation/modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret experimental and/or simulation data.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• 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.
• Chinese (Mandarin) language skills would be advantageous given the collaborative and international nature of photovoltaic research and manufacturing activities.
• Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel associated with research collaboration, industry engagement, and experimental activities where required.

Level B (in addition to the above)

• Demonstrated research experience in photovoltaic technologies beyond PhD-level training, within academic or industrial environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead and execute research activities relevant to advanced photovoltaic technologies.
• Experience contributing to collaborative research programs, competitive funding applications, industry engagement, and/or technology translation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and/or mentor students or junior researchers.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

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 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. Applicants must be available to work on-site in Kensington.

Applications close: 8:00am (Sydney time) on Friday 17^th July 2026

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

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

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.