Postdoctoral Fellow – School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance research on novel recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries. You will work with a project team to innovate and optimise techniques using CFD and materials analysis to understand performance and degradation mechanisms.

The role reports to the Project Director and provides opportunities to publish, teach, and supervise PhD students within the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a relevant field.
• Industrial experience in project engineering/management.
• Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and battery recycling processes.
• Experience with material performance testing and mechanism analysis of battery materials.
• Knowledge and experience in battery materials engineering, thermal degradation kinetics of polymers, and material characterization techniques using advanced analytical methods.
• Experience in assessing the commercial viability of new technologies, reviewing patent literature, and identifying potential licensees.
• Experience in teaching Professional Engineering and Communication for engineering and research students.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise research students.
• Demonstrated track record of publications, conference presentations, and research grant applications relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research into the development of novel processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries.
• Collaborate with project team to innovate and optimise battery recycling processes.
• Report to Project Director and liaise with Head of School as needed.

Skills

CFD modelling

Battery recycling processes

Materials testing

Mechanism analysis

Team collaboration

Independent research

Supervision of students

Communication with stakeholders

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Analytical techniques

Job description

The Opportunity

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct high-quality research into the development of novel processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries. The successful candidate will work closely with the project team to innovate and optimise battery recycling processes using advanced techniques and technologies. The Postdoctoral Fellow will report to the Project Director (Dr Cheng Wang) and have a dotted reporting line to the Head of School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (Professor Garth Pearce).

• Salary, Level A - $95,036 - $126,711 per annum + 17% superannuation


• Full Time: 35 hours


• Fixed term to April 2027


• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia (on campus attendance 3 days a week)

This Job is based in 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

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a relevant field.


• Industrial experience in project engineering/management.


• Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and battery recycling processes.


• Experience with material performance testing and mechanism analysis of battery materials.


• Knowledge and experience in battery materials engineering, thermal degradation kinetics of polymers, and material characterization techniques using advanced analytical methods.


• Experience in assessing the commercial viability of new technologies, reviewing patent literature, and identifying potential licensees.


• Experience in teaching Professional Engineering and Communication for engineering and research students.


• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.


• Demonstrated ability to supervise research students.


• Demonstrated track record of publications, conference presentations, and research grant applications relative to opportunity.


• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.


• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

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

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 16th November 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.