Postdoctoral Research Associate

UOWD
10704 - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department:
Research and Graduate Studies

Contract Type:
Limited Contract Full Time

Location:

Dubai

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is seeking a highly motivated and research-active Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on a funded external research project
. This is a fixed‑term appointment aligned with the duration and objectives of the awarded research grant.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early‑career researcher to contribute to a high‑impact research project, develop an independent research profile, and collaborate with experienced academic researchers in an internationally recognised university environment.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team to deliver project outcomes in accordance with the approved grant proposal. The position holder is responsible for the operational management and technical delivery of an RDI research and development project on engineered wood
. This includes day‑to‑day coordination between partners, procurement and project documentation, planning and fabrication of prototypes, conducting mechanical testing, developing and maintaining numerical and AI models, and preparing datasets, reports, and publications.

The position is research-focused and does not normally carry a formal teaching load, though limited supervision or guest lecturing opportunities may be available depending on project needs.

• Operational management of the research project, including liaison between partners, drafting documents, procurement, and preparing reports and presentations (20%)
• Planning and leading the fabrication of engineered‑wood prototypes (20%)
• Conducting laboratory mechanical testing of engineered‑wood prototypes (15%)
• Developing, calibrating, and maintaining the project’s digital twin, finite‑element model, and AI model (15%)
• Curating and quality‑checking the project’s open technical dataset (mechanical, process, environmental parameters) for code‑approval submissions and journal publications (15%)
• Drafting manuscripts and technical reports (15%)

• Day‑to‑day decisions related to experimental setup, modelling workflow, and project documentation.
• Improvements to laboratory manuals, experimental design, modelling approaches, and equipment requirements.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• A PhD (completed or near completion) in Civil Engineering or closely related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory testing of construction materials
• Evidence of research output, such as peer‑reviewed journal articles, conference papers, or equivalent scholarly contributions.
• Strong data analysis, methodological, or technical skills appropriate to the discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in timber engineering
• Experience with FEM, Digital Twins, and/or AI modelling techniques
• Familiarity with research ethics, grant compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Experience in an Australian university engineering environment or similar
• Experience working in Dubai or similar regional context

Be part of a globally recognised Australian university with a growing research profile.

Work on a funded project with defined outcomes and real‑world impact.

Collaborate with experienced researchers in a diverse, international academic environment.

Develop your research track record and career progression in a supportive setting.

• Visa and comprehensive medical insurance for self
• 25 working days' annual leave and public holidays
• End‑of‑service benefits and gratuity in line with UAE Labor Law and institutional policy
• Supportive and inclusive work environment

UOWD is an equal opportunity employer that attracts, develops, motivates, empowers, and retains a diverse workforce.