Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI Enabled Atomic-Scale Materials Characterisation

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI Enabled Atomic-Scale Materials Characterisation. The role focuses on AI-driven analysis of atomic-scale structure using advanced microscopy and APT within a collaborative, international team.

You will develop quantitative, AI-powered methods to reveal structure–property relationships in advanced materials, supervise HDR students, and contribute to high-impact publications and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Expertise in advanced microscopy and microanalysis, especially APT.
• Experience with TEM/SEM/EBSD/XRD and complex materials datasets.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis, computational methods and programming with AI/ML exposure.
• Strong publication record and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research using advanced microscopy and characterisation to study atomic-scale structure and chemistry.
• Develop quantitative, AI-enabled approaches for materials characterisation and data analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, industry partners and international collaborators.
• Contribute to supervision, training, grant development and dissemination through journals and conferences.

Skills

AI

Machine Learning

Programming

Quantitative analysis

Data-driven materials research

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering / Physics / Materials Characterisation / Computational Materials Science

Tools

Atom Probe Tomography (APT)

TEM

SEM

EBSD

XRD

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI Enabled Atomic-Scale Materials Characterisation

• Full time 12 month fixed term opportunity
• Base Salary, Academic Level A (6-8) offering a base salary of $117,936 - $125,896 p.a. + 17% superannuation
• Work in a highly collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research team

About the opportunity

The School of Aerospace Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (AMME) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching Engineering Schools, with degree programs in Mechanical, Mechatronic, Aeronautical and Space Engineering. The school has a student body of over 1,000 students and has seen strong growth in demand for teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The school supports teaching and research activities across disciplines including aerospace, combustion, design, fluid mechanics, materials, mechanical, mechatronic and robotics engineering. To learn more about the School click here

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI Enabled Atomic-Scale Materials Characterisation to work within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving researchers, HDR students and international collaborators across academia and industry.

The successful candidate will undertake research at the intersection of advanced microscopy, atom probe tomography (APT), artificial intelligence and materials science. Working with world-class characterisation facilities, they will develop quantitative and AI-enabled approaches to understand atomic-scale structures, defects and structure-property relationships in advanced materials, contributing to next-generation materials discovery.

Responsibilities

• conduct innovative research using advanced microscopy and characterisation techniques to investigate atomic-scale structure, chemistry and materials behaviour
• develop and apply quantitative, computational and AI-enabled approaches to materials characterisation, data analysis and scientific discovery
• collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, industry partners and international collaborators to deliver high-impact research outcomes
• contribute to student supervision, research training, grant development and the dissemination of research through leading journals and conferences.

About you

• a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Materials Characterisation, Computational Materials Science, or a closely related discipline
• demonstrated expertise in advanced microscopy and microanalysis techniques, particularly atom probe tomography (APT)
• experience with complementary characterisation techniques such as TEM, SEM, EBSD and XRD, and the analysis of complex materials datasets
• proficiency in quantitative analysis, computational methods and programming, with experience in AI, machine learning or data-driven materials research highly desirable
• a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams and supervise research students.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.