* School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
* Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up to 4 January 2027
* Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
* Australian citizenship is a requirement for this position
* Based at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) - Eagle Farm, Brisbane
About This Opportunity
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to conduct research within the Centre for Hypersonics in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and Defence Science and Technology Group (Brisbane) on experimental hypersonics topics.
The 2024 National Defence Strategy identified hypersonics and long-range fires as defence innovation science and technology priorities. This research project will be aimed at advancing the knowledge of high-speed airbreathing propulsion technologies relevant to long-range fires.
Project activities include (but are not limited to):
* Research and development of airbreathing propulsion technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
* Research and development of thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
* Development, refinement and implementation of numerical and experimentation tools for the design and analysis of airbreathing propulsion and thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
You will be based full-time at DSTG Brisbane (Eagle Farm) and are expected to work closely with the Disruptive Hypersonic Technologies (DHT) team in DSTG Brisbane, and the Missile & Space Propulsion (MSP) and Guided Weapons Systems Analysis (GWSA) teams in DSTG Edinburgh. You may also be required to travel to DSTG Edinburgh for technical interchange meetings.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Research: Design and analyse high-speed air-breathing propulsion systems, test novel fuels in engine configurations, and optimise thermal management and fuel delivery. Report findings and present updates to stakeholders, while supporting test rig commissioning and heated fuel system development for ground testing.
* Teaching: Support the effective supervision of graduate Defence engineers and cadets and assist with teaching as needed in consultation with the principal supervisor.
* Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise or support students undertaking UQ’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework engineering projects and participate in the supervision of Higher Degree by Research (MPhil and PhD students) if required.
* Citizenship and Service: Provide administrative and laboratory support within the DSTG research group as required, contribute to a strong safety culture, and undertake additional duties as directed by your supervisor.
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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
* Completed or near completion of PhD in the area or significant progress towards the award of a PhD in Mechanical/ Aerospace Engineering with a preferred focus on experimental hypersonics or other compressible fluids/general fluid mechanics areas. Strong preference will be given to those with demonstrated practical experience with hypersonic test facilities, ground-testing of high-speed airbreathing propulsion and/or their sub-systems, hypersonic flight vehicle prototypes, and practical mechanical design.
* An Australian citizen with the ability to hold at minimum an Australian NV1 security clearance. Strong preference will be given to those with an existing security clearance (NV1 or higher).
* Demonstrated ability to work independently within a group with minimal supervision to meet specific delegated objectives.
* Demonstrated ability to interact constructively within a group to help meet higher order group objectives.
* Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders and Defence.
* Ability and willingness to:
o Work effectively with the staff and students.
o Supervise Defence engineers and cadets, honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students if required.
* Ability to promote and adhere to a positive safety culture including the ability and willingness to assume the role of laboratory manager if required.
* Demonstrated:
o High level of drive and enthusiasm and be a self-starter.
o High level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:
* Australian Citizenship: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is an Australian citizen.
* AGSVA Clearance: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is eligible and willing to apply for security clearances as required by the project activities.
* Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to an educational check.
In support of our Indigenous employment strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We value lived experience, community connection and diverse career pathways.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
Work Rights:
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Anand Veeraragavan via ******@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at ******@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
* Resume
* Cover letter
* Responses to the ‘About You’ section
Our strength 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact ******@uq.edu.au.
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.
Applications close on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61649).