Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Supersonic Combustion

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Sydney invites applications for a two-year, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Supersonic Combustion at the Camperdown campus. The role focuses on advanced research in supersonic combustion within the ARC Training Centre for High-Speed Propulsion and includes access to cutting-edge laser diagnostics.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with hands-on experience in combustion, high-speed fluids and experimental rigs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Experience in combustion, compressible or high-speed flows is essential.
• Experience with laser diagnostics and experimental fluid mechanics is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in supersonic combustion and compressible reacting flows.
• Perform experimental research using advanced laser diagnostics in high-speed flows.
• Utilise state-of-the-art facilities and novel burners for experiments.

Skills

Laser diagnostics

Experimental fluid dynamics

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Laser diagnostic equipment

Job description

Full time, two year fixed-term position commencing in January / February 2027. Located at our Camperdown campus in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering. Exciting opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in supersonic combustion and high-speed propulsion within a world-class research environment. Base Salary Academic Level A $117,936 + 17% superannuation.

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.

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Supersonic Combustion to join the ARC Training Centre for High-Speed Propulsion, Rocket and Launch Systems.

Key responsibilities

• conduct advanced research into supersonic combustion and compressible reacting flows, particularly investigating how compressibility suppresses fuel-air mixing contribute to research seeking to quantify compressible mixing suppression in reacting flows and develop approaches to design around this limitation
• undertake experimental research using advanced laser diagnostics of combustion in high-speed flows
• work with state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including novel subsonic and supersonic burners and advanced laser diagnostic facilities

About you

• completed PhD in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• demonstrated research experience in combustion, compressible or high-speed fluid dynamics, supersonic/reacting flows, experimental fluid mechanics or laser diagnostics experience using sophisticated experimental techniques, especially laser diagnostics and combustion or fluid-flow experiments
• would be highly relevant experience in designing novel burners and setting up complex experimental combustion rigs
• ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment and collaborate with academic researchers, research students and industry partners

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 satisfaction 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 have 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.

Applications Close Wednesday 07 October 2026 11:59 PM

The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made.