Senior Research Associate

Senior Research Associate – UNSW

Location:

Australia – School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney

Employment type:

Full‑time, Fixed‑term (12 months), 35 hours per week

Salary: $127,000 – $150,000 plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

Reports to:

Associate Professor Kevin Laws (no direct reports)

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative industry‑based research focusing on the design, development and commercial application of advanced high‑entropy brasses and bronzes for plumbing or free‑machining applications.
• Carry out independent and joint fundamental and applied metallurgical research on the commercial development and processing of high‑entropy brasses and bronzes.
• Create scholarly impact recognized by peers in the advancement of disciplinary knowledge.
• Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as part of a team.
• Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.
• Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Participate as co‑investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications, or demonstrate active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.
• Design related research activities on commercialization outcomes for high‑entropy brasses and bronzes for the plumbing sector and/or ancillary/alternative dual‑use technologies for free‑machining applications.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues, developing the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs.
• Assist with program/project management and with the operation and maintenance of the relevant laboratories.
• Engage appropriately, independently or as a team member with industry/commercial project partners in establishing their research requirements and troubleshooting.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the University’s Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures, taking reasonable care to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• A PhD in physical metallurgy or a related discipline, and relevant postdoctoral experience in alloy design, development and processing, preferably in high‑entropy alloys.
• Experience in lab‑based metal processing technologies: alloy charge preparation, induction melting/alloying, arc‑furnace melting, casting, and thermo‑mechanical processing.
• Experience in lab‑based metal sample preparation and characterization: optical/electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, tensile/mechanical testing.
• Proven commitment to staying current with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record in research producing high‑quality, high‑impact outcomes and evidence of research excellence and leadership.
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• High‑level communication skills with the ability to network effectively and interact with diverse students and staff.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, values, policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to relevant training.

• National and International Criminal History Checks
• Entitlement to work and s
• Working With Children Checks
• Gender‑Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional memberships
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical checks and assessments

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.

Kevin Laws

Email: k.laws.au

Applications close:
January 22nd, 2025