Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking options

Extensive training and professional/PD

Onsite childcare facilities

Onsite vacation care during school hol

Job summary

Macquarie University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Materials Engineering. The role focuses on recycling end-of-life solar panels, delamination, material recovery, and metal separation with significant industry collaboration.

The successful candidate will design mechanical systems, develop experiments, analyze data, supervise research students, and contribute to publications and IP development.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering or closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record in mechanical design and/or tool design.
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence with emerging or established recognition.

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.
• Assist in managing and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Generate and disseminate high-impact research outputs, contributing to reports and IP development.
• Supervise and mentor higher degree research students where appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry.

Skills

Mechanical design

Tool design

Experimentation

Data analysis

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering

Tools

CAD software

Laboratory equipment

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

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.

• 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

Essential

• A PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated track record in mechanical design and/or tool design.
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence with emerging or established recognition
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work, both domestically and internationally

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 [e-mail]

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

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.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• 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

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 satisfactory terms to the University. If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account.

To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page. At Macquarie University, our human equation for success is You to the Power of Us. It’s an invitation for you to bring your passion and purpose to a campus powered by human collaboration, and where the potential of every person multiplies our ability to achieve remarkable things.

Our values

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. Our values — Collective Ambition, Purposeful Collaboration, Bold Innovation, and Genuine Care — are at the heart of everything we do and by living our values, we unlock the true potential of You to the Power of Us.

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.

Benefits

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• 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

Discover our beautiful campus Just 15km from Sydney’s CBD and with access to Australia’s only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Take a look at our campus Join a workplace that's inclusive, outcome-focused and driven by shared purpose.

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