Hypersonics Postdoc: Experimental CFD & Lab Design Lead …, Brisbane City

School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
- Faculty of EAIT
- Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 31 January 2027
- Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91
- $111,431.10 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
- Based at our St Lucia Campus
- Brisbane About This Opportunity The University of Queensland’s Centre for Hypersonics is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to contribute to a high-impact experimental and computational hypersonics research program. Working within a collaborative, ambitious and globally connected research setting, this role supports a US Air Force funded project focused on generating unique validation data for a novel air chemistry scheme under extreme hypersonic conditions. You will work with world‑class facilities, including UQ’s X2 expansion tube, alongside leading researchers and international collaborators to deepen understanding of high‑temperature gas behaviour relevant to hypersonic vehicles. Key Responsibilities
- Conduct and supervise experimental campaigns using the X2 expansion tube, including driver and test condition design, advanced diagnostics, data analysis, and targeted facility upgrades.
- Perform hypersonic chemically reacting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to support experimental design and interpretation and produce high‑quality research outputs in leading outlets.
- Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, fostering a positive, safe and high‑performing research culture.
- Demonstrate UQ values through collaboration, participation in unit activities, internal service roles and the development of emerging external partnerships with industry, government and research organisations. About You
- Completed or near completion of PhD in the field of experimental hypersonics or a closely related field, with emphasis on high‑enthalpy flows.
- Demonstrated experience conducting experiments on medium or large‑scale hypersonic test facilities and analysing facility diagnostic data.
- Expertise in advanced hypersonic diagnostic techniques, including setup, operation and upgrade.
- Capability in designing driver and test conditions for impulse facilities and applying engineering design principles to facility development.
- Experience performing hypersonic chemically reacting CFD and interpreting results to generate physical insight.
- A developing publication record in high‑quality outlets and willingness to contribute to competitive research funding applications.
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, international research team.
- Commitment to a positive safety culture and alignment with UQ’s values. Perks and UQ Environment As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside some of the world’s brightest minds in an environment that is visionary, inquisitive and deeply collaborative. UQ is a Group of Eight university, internationally recognised for research excellence and impact. We provide access to world‑class research infrastructure, grant development support and meaningful opportunities to translate research into real‑world outcomes. The benefits of joining UQ are broad and include up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, access to exclusive internal‑only opportunities, and genuine career progression through the academic promotions process. Applications close on Monday, 1 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65133). We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We are also happy to support accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rp3wg