Postdoctoral Fellow – Atomic-scale modelling of hydrogen embrittlement

The Opportunity

We are welcoming applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate as part of a recently awarded ARC discovery project between UNSW Sydney and the University of Sydney. The goal of the project is to determine how hydrogen affects deformation at different microstructural features in alloys, to aid future alloy design. The UNSW team, lead by A/Prof Patrick Burr, will provide the modelling contributions, and the team at USyd, led by Prof Julie Carney and Dr Ranming Liu, is in charge of the experimental part. The two teams will collaborate closely, and the candidate is expected to integrate their modelling work within the experimental tasks. For more information on the research group of A/Prof Patrick Burr, please visit https://www.patrickburr.com/group

In your role you will be responsible for performing ab-initio and molecular dynamics simulations, and for developing inter-atomic potentials using a combination of classical and machine-learning (ML) approaches (and a new hybrid method recently developed in our group). Some of the types of simulations that will be performed may include: accurate modelling of hydrogen trapping at point defects, dislocations, grain boundaries and second phases of model alloys; creation of a high-fidelity 1:1 model of an experimentally-observed atom probe dataset of ~ 1 million atoms; quantification of quantum tunnelling in hydrogen mobility; and simulating strain-driven redistribution of hydrogen within microstructural features.

This position is best suited for candidates with a strong background in computational material science.

The role reports to Associate Professor Patrick Burr and has no direct reports.

• Salary (Level A) – AUD $110,059 to $117,718 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term contract – 2 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About us

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering that 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 Australia for thriving research programs and contribution to education excellence in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronic Engineering. Our Schools QS ranking for 2023 is #49 globally and the highest in Australia The ARWU (Shanghai) Rankings for 2023 ranked the subject Mechanical Engineering at #36 globally and the highest in Australia. Aerospace Engineering at UNSW was ranked #45 globally. For further information on our school go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/mechanical-and-manufacturing-engineering

The UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre is a pioneering hub dedicated to advancing Australia’s nuclear science industry. Launched in February 2024, the Centre fosters cross-disciplinary and cross-industry collaborations, focusing on areas such as medicine, irradiated materials, waste management, space exploration, and mining. By bringing together experts from various fields, the Centre aims to drive innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and nurture future leaders. Its mission is to enhance research, education, and training, ensuring the prosperity and competitiveness of Australia’s nuclear technology sector. For more information please visit - https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/nuclear-innovation-centre

Skills & Experience

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Strong coding skills in commonly used scientific languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, shell script, C)
• Demonstrated experience in performing simulations at the atomic-scale, including density functional theory (e.g. VASP, Ab-init, Quantum espresso), and molecular dynamics (e.g. LAMMPS, DL-POLY)
• Knowledge of development of inter-atomic potentials – classical or ML.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Evidence of supervision or mentoring of students is desirable.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety 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.

To Apply: Please click the button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 11th August 2025

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.