Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Design and Simulation for Composites
* University of New South Wales
* Australia, NSW
* May 13, 2026
About University of New South Wales
At UNSW, we take pride in the broad range and high quality of our teaching programs. Our teaching gains strength and currency from our research activities, strong industry links and our international nature; UNSW has strong regional and national ties that bolster its academic community.
The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales is seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to contribute to research in the structural health monitoring of metallic and composite structures, particularly those produced through advanced automated manufacturing processes. Working within the ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites (AMAC), you will provide technical and intellectual input into industry‐focused research projects, collaborate closely with academic and industry partners, and support the delivery of high‐impact outcomes that advance both fundamental knowledge and real‐world applications.
This position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output. You will contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participate in conferences and workshops, supervise HDR students, and actively engage with industry partners.
The role reports to the Centre Director, Professor Gangadhara Prusty, and has no direct reports.
* Research Associate (Level A) – AUD $113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
* Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step 1) – AUD $127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation
* Full time
* Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
About us
UNSW is a world‐leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where academic expertise translates into real‐world outcomes. The university is home to cutting‐edge research that drives innovation and societal progress, while its excellence in teaching ensures students are prepared to lead in their fields. For academics, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to flourish — combining world‐class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports both career growth and meaningful contributions to the wider community.
The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become industry leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in Australia for thriving research programs and contributions to education excellence in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronic Engineering. Our Schools QS ranking for 2025 is #46 globally and the highest in Australia. For further information on our school, go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/mechanical-and-manufacturing-engineering
Skills & Experience
Research Associate (Level A)
* PhD (or soon to be awarded) in Materials, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
* Sound understanding of engineering design fundamentals: properties of materials and composites are essential.
* Relevant work experience in the field of modelling and simulation of metallic and composite structures.
* Demonstrated experience in composites manufacturing, testing, and data analysis.
* Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
* Demonstrated ability to contribute to the submission of proposals for competitive external funding that support collaborative research activities.
* Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
* Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
* An understanding of and commitment to UNSW's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
* Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.
Senior Research Associate (Level B)
* PhD in an area of direct relevance, including but not limited to Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Robotics Engineering.
* Sound understanding of engineering design fundamentals: properties of materials and composites are essential.
* Relevant work experience in the field of modelling and simulation of metallic and composite structures.
* Demonstrated experience in composites manufacturing, testing, and data analysis.
* Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
* Extensive experience in translating research results into practical outcomes.
* Demonstrated success in attracting research funding from governmental and/or industrial sectors.
* Excellent level of communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
* Demonstrated experience in supervising research students.
* Demonstrated collaboration with industry partners on research projects.
* Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
* Willingness to undertake any compliance and supervisor training as required.
* An understanding of and commitment to UNSW's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
* Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
Pre‐Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW's focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre‐employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
* National and International Criminal history checks
* Entitlement to work and ID checks
* Working With Children Checks
* Completion of a Gender‐Based Violence Prevention Declaration
* Verification of relevant qualifications
* Verification of relevant professional membership
* Employment history and reference checks
* Financial responsibility assessments/checks
* Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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