• School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT

• 1x Full-time, Fixed-term (2 years and 7 months) and 1 x Full-time, Fixed-term (1 year)

• Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment

• Based at our St Lucia Campus location

About This Opportunity

Join us under the ARC Linkage Project to pioneer ground-breaking advancements in superconducting technology!

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer, you will develop high-performance superconducting joints, explore their formation mechanisms, and contribute to the development of a persistent-current-switch (PCS) using reacted multifilament MgB₂ conductors. This innovative work is a key step toward realising a next-generation, liquid-helium-free (LHe-free) MRI system. Superconducting joints using unreacted MgB2 conductors have been reported but they are not suitable for use in commercial MRI system. This is because the joints of unreacted MgB2 conductors require the entire assembled magnet to undergo heat treatment, which is undesirable for commercial MRI production.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research

• Design and Manufacture: Develop high-temperature superconductors, with a focus on magnesium diboride, in bulk, wire, and joint forms suited for industrial magnet applications.

• Process Engineering & Powder Metallurgy: Utilise advanced techniques (drawing, swaging, rolling, hot/cold isostatic pressing, spark plasma/field-assisted sintering) for high-performance superconducting materials.

• Characterisation & Testing: Conduct detailed microstructural characterisation (using FIB, TEM, AFM) of joint interfaces, and test closed-loop superconducting coils in cryogenic environments to assess critical current and magnetic field stability.

• Research & Collaboration: Generate high-quality research outputs, seek competitive funding, develop collaborative projects, support commercial knowledge transfer, and build a cohesive research program with innovative methodologies.

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Supervision & Mentorship: Provide effective guidance and supervision to Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, fostering their development through feedback, coaching, and professional growth opportunities.

• Teaching & Lab Management: Support teaching activities as needed (lecturing, tutoring, lab demonstration), and ensure efficient management of laboratory facilities and researcher development.

• Team Leadership & Conflict Resolution: Manage research support staff in line with University policies, addressing performance, professional development, and promptly resolving conflicts or grievances as they arise.

Citizenship and Service

• Uphold UQ Values & Citizenship: Demonstrate behaviours that align with UQ values through active participation in unit priorities, internal service roles, and committee work, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

• Support & Collaboration: Assist with academic and operational tasks as needed, including covering for team members’ absences and engaging in service activities both within and beyond the unit.

• External Engagement & Safety Leadership: Cultivate relationships with external partners in industry, government, and the community, and contribute to a strong safety culture within the School, taking on lab management duties as required.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• PhD Qualification: Completion or near completion of a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering.

• Superconducting Coil Expertise: Experience in designing, fabricating, and testing high-temperature superconducting (particularly magnesium diboride) closed-loop coils in cryogenic conditions.

• Electron Microscopy Proficiency: Skilled in advanced electron microscopy techniques (FIB, TEM, AFM) for analysing complex superconducting joint interfaces.

• Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with programming tools such as LabView and Origin Pro.

• Industry Engagement & Research Output: Experience working with relevant industries, with a track record of publications in high-impact journals and conference presentations.

• Teaching & Mentorship: Demonstrated contributions to teaching, student supervision (Honours, Masters, HDR), and internal service roles within the faculty.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc. 

There are 2 full-time fixed-term positions available: one position for 2 years and 7 months and the other position for 1 year at an Academic Level A.

Work Rights:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor MD Shahriar Hossain via [email protected]. For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Monday, 18 November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44297).