Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Metal Additive Manufacturing

• School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering – Faculty of EAIT

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to undertake academic research in metal additive manufacturing, with a focus on copper (Cu) and copper-based alloys. In this role you will be involved with the design, fabrication, and characterisation of advanced copper alloys produced using additive manufacturing technologies.

You will work close with Dr Qiyang Tan and Prof Mingxing Zhang and contribute to alloy development using computational materials science, applying machine learning, big-data analytics, and data-driven approaches to optimise composition–process–property relationships.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Conduct additive manufacturing research on Cu and Cu-based alloys, including process optimisation and development of scalable powder mixing approaches. Perform microstructural and mechanical/electrical characterisation, apply computational tools such as machine learning for data-driven alloy design, integrate experimental and modelling results, contribute to publications and grant applications, and assist in supervising honours and postgraduate research students.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Support the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students through mentoring and feedback and assist with managing research staff and resolving issues in line with University policies.

• Citizenship and Service: Build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, industry, and external stakeholders to support strategic objectives, contribute to committees and administrative processes, and support team and service activities within and beyond the unit.

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

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in Engineering with experience in one or more of the following areas: Materials Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Engineering.

• A wealth of research experience in metal additive manufacturing and phase transformation of metals is highly preferred.

• Quality research outputs: research outputs consistent with discipline norms. 

• Funding and other external research support: contributions to funding applications or other external mechanisms of research support.

• High level interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrate ability to work with different stakeholders.

In support of our Indigenous employment strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We value lived experience, community connection and diverse career pathways.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Work Rights?

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Qiyang Tan via q.tan@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

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

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61574).