"Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer - Experimental Hypersonics"

School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT

• School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up to 4 January 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Australian citizenship is a requirement for this position
• Based at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) - Eagle Farm, Brisbane

About This Opportunity

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to conduct research within the Centre for Hypersonics in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and Defence Science and Technology Group (Brisbane) on experimental hypersonics topics.

The 2024 National Defence Strategy identified hypersonics and long-range fires as defence innovation science and technology priorities. This research project will be aimed at advancing the knowledge of high-speed airbreathing propulsion technologies relevant to long-range fires.

Project activities include (but are not limited to):

• Research and development of airbreathing propulsion technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
• Research and development of thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.
• Development, refinement and implementation of numerical and experimentation tools for the design and analysis of airbreathing propulsion and thermal management technologies for high-speed long-range flight.

You will be based full-time at DSTG Brisbane (Eagle Farm) and are expected to work closely with the Disruptive Hypersonic Technologies (DHT) team in DSTG Brisbane, and the Missile & Space Propulsion (MSP) and Guided Weapons Systems Analysis (GWSA) teams in DSTG Edinburgh. You may also be required to travel to DSTG Edinburgh for technical interchange meetings.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Design and analyse high-speed air-breathing propulsion systems, test novel fuels in engine configurations, and optimise thermal management and fuel delivery. Report findings and present updates to stakeholders, while supporting test rig commissioning and heated fuel system development for ground testing.
• Teaching: Support the effective supervision of graduate Defence engineers and cadets and assist with teaching as needed in consultation with the principal supervisor.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise or support students undertaking UQ’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework engineering projects and participate in the supervision of Higher Degree by Research (MPhil and PhD students) if required.
• Citizenship and Service: Provide administrative and laboratory support within the DSTG research group as required, contribute to a strong safety culture, and undertake additional duties as directed by your supervisor.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completed or near completion of PhD in the area or significant progress towards the award of a PhD in Mechanical/ Aerospace Engineering with a preferred focus on experimental hypersonics or other compressible fluids/general fluid mechanics areas. Strong preference will be given to those with demonstrated practical experience with hypersonic test facilities, ground-testing of high-speed airbreathing propulsion and/or their sub-systems, hypersonic flight vehicle prototypes, and practical mechanical design.
• An Australian citizen with the ability to hold at minimum an Australian NV1 security clearance. Strong preference will be given to those with an existing security clearance (NV1 or higher).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a group with minimal supervision to meet specific delegated objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to interact constructively within a group to help meet higher order group objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders and Defence.
• Ability and willingness to:
  • Work effectively with the staff and students.
  • Supervise Defence engineers and cadets, honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students if required.
• Ability to promote and adhere to a positive safety culture including the ability and willingness to assume the role of laboratory manager if required.
• Demonstrated:
  • High level of drive and enthusiasm and be a self-starter.
  • High level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

• Australian Citizenship: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is an Australian citizen.
• AGSVA Clearance: It is a requirement of this position that the applicant is eligible and willing to apply for security clearances as required by the project activities.
• Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to an educational check.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Applications close on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61649).