Postdoctoral Researcher (A/B) - Hydrogen Combustion

Level A, $78,544 - $105,611 per annum or Level B, $111,031 - $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is seeking to appoint one talented Postdoctoral Researcher, as part of our team in the Centre for Energy Technology, to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of heavy industry until 31 May 2026.

Full time, fixed term opportunity.

This is an opportunity to be part of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) that brings together industries, researchers, and government organisations seeking new low-carbon technologies and methods that will overcome barriers, and help transition the steel, iron, alumina, and cement industries and allow them to thrive in a carbon-neutral world.

In this role you will contribute to establishing an experimental program on Hydrogen Combustion to assess challenges and opportunities to replace hydrocarbon fuels with hydrogen in their plants. The tasks will include but are not limited to designing, developing, manufacturing and testing burners, combustion appliances and furnaces with hydrogen-based fuels relevant to iron/steel, alumina/aluminium, and cement/lime sectors. It will also include writing of journal papers, industrial reports, attending/presenting in domestic and international conferences, and nurturing of relations with our industry stakeholders.
You will be expected to work collaboratively with industry and other researchers on a program to develop and de-risk technological solutions for the decarbonation of production processes in these heavy industries.

The University of Adelaide, Australia's third-oldest university, has risen to 82nd place in the QS world rankings. Situated amidst the captivating landscapes of South Australia , which boasts the distinction of being the tenth most liveable city globally*, Adelaide offers an exceptional environment for both living and working. With its relaxed atmosphere, safety, lack of pollution, and ease of navigation, this city of approximately 1.4 million residents is nestled between picturesque beaches and stunning hills.

Our School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we enthusiastically encourage applications from individuals who can enrich the fabric of our community. The University provides a range of development opportunities, including our Academic Mentoring for Women Program (AMW), designed to empower and support women in advancing their careers.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD, in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in planning, design, and safely conduct experiments and optical diagnostic measurements of turbulent reacting flows, notably hydrogen-based flames
• Experience in designing, commissioning, and safely conduct testing of laboratory-scale combustion systems, notably hydrogen-based furnaces.
• Experience in using combustion kinetic software such as Chemkin-PRO to aid in understanding of the collected experimental data
• Well-developed communication skills and an ability to prepare high-quality scientific publications and to present engagingly to different audiences
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 25 July 2024.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Alfonso Chinnici, Senior Lecturer

School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
E: ***************@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full selection criterion below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

Download the Position Description