Postdoctoral Researcher

Macquarie University; Ryde; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking

Extensive training and development

Onsite childcare facilities

Discounted health insurance

Sport & Aquatic Centre access

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite GP, imaging and physiotherapy

Job summary

Macquarie University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Materials Engineering to join an industry-funded project on recycling end-of-life solar panels. The role involves mechanical design, experiments, and collaboration with an industry partner, focusing on delamination, material recovery, and advanced analytics.

The successful candidate will design and test systems, contribute to high-impact outputs, supervise research students where appropriate, and ensure safety and

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical design and building experimental setups.
• Ability to learn quickly and solve complex problems.
• Contribute to academic and industry knowledge through research.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate mechanical systems
• Design tools and equipment for solar panel delamination
• Design systems for component handling and material recovery during delamination
• Design and set up a metal recovery system
• Characterise and scientifically analyse material quality
• Measure adhesion forces
• Design and conduct scientific experiments, and collect, analyse and interpret data
• Contribute to managing and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Generate and disseminate high-impact research outputs, contributing to reports, conferences and potential IP development
• Assist in preparing journal publications, conference presentations and grant applications
• Supervise and mentor higher degree research students where appropriate
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and quality standards

Job description

• Annual base salary from $112,550- $127,138 (Level A.6 to Level B.1) p.a plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.
• Full-time, fixed term role for 12 months (with possibility of extension)
• Based on site at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Macquarie University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Materials Engineering to join an industry-funded project on recycling end-of-life solar panels.

The Role

Every year, a growing number of end-of-life solar panels enter landfill. The researcher will work on a project focused on recycling end-of-life solar panels and will collaborate closely with the industry partner. The project involves delaminating solar panels, recovering constituent materials, and extracting valuable resources. This project is being undertaken with an industry partner and has the potential to significantly improve the management of electronic waste by addressing the growing number of end-of-life solar panels entering landfill.

We are looking for a passionate researcher who can undertake mechanical design, design and conduct experiments, learn quickly, solve complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to both academic and industry knowledge through this project.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Design and integrate mechanical systems
• Design tools and equipment for solar panel delamination
• Design systems for component handling and material recovery during delamination
• Design and set up a metal recovery system
• Characterise and scientifically analyse material quality
• Measure adhesion forces
• Design and conduct scientific experiments, and collect, analyse and interpret data
• Contribute to managing and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Generate and disseminate high-impact research outputs, contributing to reports, conferences and potential IP development
• Assist in preparing journal publications, conference presentations and grant applications
• Supervise and mentor higher degree research students where appropriate
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and quality standards

Desirable

Previous experience in working on industry projects, with the ability to adhere to project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

*Please note that this position will require a criminal record check.

We are only considering applications from candidates who are currently based in Australia and hold full working rights.

Applications Close

23 September 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

For role enquiry, please contact Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil at ***************@mq.edu.au

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.