Postdoctoral Researcher

mq; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

17% Superannuation

Onsite parking

Extensive training and professional发展

Onsite childcare facilities

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

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 at North Ryde.

The position is full-time for 12 months, based on site at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde. You will design mechanical systems, run experiments, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to publications and IP development.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering or related field.
• Proven track record in mechanical design and tool design.
• Experience in conducting and leading research with publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate mechanical systems for solar panel delamination.
• Design tools and equipment for solar panel delamination and material recovery.
• Characterise and analyse material quality and measure adhesion forces.
• Plan and conduct experiments; collect, analyse and interpret data.
• Supervise and mentor researchers where appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry.
• Ensure laboratory safety and quality standards; contribute to reports and IP development.

Skills

Mechanical design

Tool design

Experiment design

Strong communication

Education

PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Data analysis software

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

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

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.