Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Supersonic Combustion

• Full time, two year fixed-term position with potential for extension
• Commencing in January / February 2027. Located at our Camperdown campus in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering
• Exciting opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in supersonic combustion and high-speed propulsion within a world-class research environment
• Base Salary Academic Level A $117,936 + 17% superannuation

 

About the opportunity

 

The School of Aerospace Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (AMME) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching Engineering Schools, with degree programs in Mechanical, Mechatronic, Aeronautical and Space Engineering. The school has a student body of over 1,000 students and has seen strong growth in demand for teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The school supports teaching and research activities across disciplines including aerospace, combustion, design, fluid mechanics, materials, mechanical, mechatronic and robotics engineering. To learn more about the School click here

 

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Supersonic Combustion to join the ARC Training Centre for High-Speed Propulsion, Rocket and Launch Systems (HiPR-LS).

 

Your key responsibilities will be to:

 

• conduct advanced research into supersonic combustion and compressible reacting flows
• contribute to research seeking to develop new computational models and solvers for supersonic combustion and compressible mixing, with relevance to advanced propulsion concepts
• undertake computational research using existing and new codes and high-performance computing
• work with state-of-the-art codes, including direct numerical simulation, large eddy simulation and probability density function methods
• mentor research students in HiPR-LS
• develop technical content for the HiPR-LS professional development program in rocket systems, including short courses, seminars and example problems.

 

About you

 

• completed PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent
• demonstrated research experience in combustion, compressible or high-speed fluid dynamics, supersonic/reacting flows, computational fluid dynamics and modelling
• experience using sophisticated computational fluid dynamics solvers, especially direct numerical simulations, laser diagnostics and probability density function approaches
• experience in developing code and setting up complex numerical simulations
• ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment and collaborate with academic researchers, research students and industry partners
• experienced teacher with an ability to develop and present technical educational and professional development content.

 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

 

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

 

EEO statement 

 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

 

How to apply

 

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

 

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Feain and Liam Newson, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

 

© The University of Sydney

 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 15 November 2026 11:59 PM