• Full time, 1-year fixed term position. Located at the School of Physics on the Camperdown Campus
•  Exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in electromagnetic modelling for radiative cooling
• Base Salary $109,301 - $116,679 p.a (Academic Level A) + 17% superannuation
• Apply on the University of Sydney Career Site
• Applications close Sunday 30 March 2025 11:59 PM
  

About the opportunity

The School of Physics is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Electromagnetism to model and optimize nano-structured fibres for radiative cooling. The incumbent will have extensive experience in numerical modelling of electromagnetism, ideally with a deep understanding of optics in nanostructured media and thermal radiation physics.  

The aim of the project is to understand how nanostructuring fibres and membranes can provide passive cooling to their wearer in full sun. In principle, this can be achieved by increasing reflectivity over the solar spectrum, while maintaining strong radiative properties over the thermal spectrum. However, natural materials such as cotton or wool, and even synthetic textile fibres such as nylon or rayon do not have the appropriate spectral properties. It has been demonstrated that nanostructuring can tailor the emissivity and cool to below ambient temperatures in full sun, but how far this can be pushed for any given material in theory and in practice, and what the ideal nanostructures should be, remain elusive.

Prof Boris Kuhlmey and Dr Alex Song lead a team comprising experimental, theoretical and numerical work to answer these questions and eventually produce passive cooling textiles with the potential of reducing air-conditioning energy consumption and substantially improve thermal comfort in a warming world.


Your key responsibilities will be to:

•    work closely with the team to realize the aims of the Physics-Foundation-funded Grand Challenge project “Nanostructured Textiles for a Sustainable Warming World”
•    implement and run numerical models for simulating and optimizing complex scattering geometries
•    present findings to the group and at local and international conferences
•    write and publish peer reviewed scientific journal papers
•    contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate student supervision.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral research associate in Numerical Electromagnetism who has:

•    a PHD in Physics or Electrical Engineering with direct relevance to Numerical Electromagnetism
•    excellent python and/or MATLAB skills
•    extensive experience with use of commercial or open source electromagnetic solvers
•    experience with large scale numerical optimizations on high performance computers
•    excellent written and oral communication skills
•    demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research as part of a research team.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

 We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 on the University of Sydney Career Site.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

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