Postdoctoral Researcher in Microwave and Antenna Engineering for CubeSat Applications

• Full time, fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of extension

• Join the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and contribute to pioneering research redefining CubeSat technology

• Base Salary Academic Level A $113,400 - $121,054 p.a or Academic Level B $127,436 - $141,774 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Level A or Level B) to contribute to a research project focused on the development of advanced microwave and antenna technologies for CubeSat applications, including additively manufactured and 4D-printed shape-morphing antenna systems.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will provide specialist technical expertise in microwave circuits, antenna engineering, electromagnetic modelling, additive manufacturing, materials characterisation and experimental validation. The appointee will work closely with the Chief Investigator (CI), Partner Investigators (PIs), research students and external/internal collaborators to address key engineering challenges and support the technical delivery of the project.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Design, model and optimise microwave circuits, antennas and antenna systems for CubeSat and related space applications.

• Undertake full-wave electromagnetic simulation and numerical modelling of microwave and antenna components using industry-standard electromagnetic simulation software.

• Develop additively manufactured and 4D-printed antenna prototypes, including the preparation and optimisation of fabrication processes.

• Conduct electrical, electromagnetic and materials characterisation of 3D- and 4D-printed materials and structures relevant to microwave applications.

• Perform hands-on fabrication, integration and experimental testing of microwave and antenna hardware.

• Develop and experimentally demonstrate antenna functions including reconfigurability, shape morphing and two-dimensional beam steering for CubeSat applications.

• Support system- and component-level development, integration and validation of antenna subsystems.

• Analyse experimental and simulation results and contribute to design iterations and technical problem solving.

• Work collaboratively with the CI, PIs, research staff, PhD candidates, Honours students and external project partners.

• Assist the CI and PIs with the technical supervision and mentoring of PhD and Honours students participating in the project.

• Provide technical guidance to students undertaking antenna modelling, additive manufacturing, prototyping and experimental measurements.

• Contribute to research publications, technical reports, presentations, project milestones and other research outputs.

• Participate in project meetings and communicate research progress effectively to academic and industry collaborators.

• Contribute to the effective operation of the research laboratory and ensure that experimental activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant laboratory and WHS requirements.

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 Researcher in Microwave and Antenna Engineering for CubeSat Applications who has:

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Microwave Engineering, Antenna Engineering, Electromagnetics, RF Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong knowledge of electromagnetic theory, microwave engineering and antenna theory.

• Demonstrated experience in the design and modelling of microwave circuits and antennas, preferably for high-frequency, satellite, CubeSat or related applications.

• Demonstrated proficiency with electromagnetic simulation and design software, such as CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent platforms.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in microwave and antenna hardware development, fabrication, prototyping and experimental validation.

• Experience with 3D printing/additive manufacturing, particularly for microwave, RF, antenna or electronic applications.

• Experience in the characterisation of materials and/or fabricated components relevant to microwave and antenna applications.

• Experience in shape memory materials modelling, training and manufacturing

• Demonstrated capability to undertake both component-level and system-level engineering development.

To be considered for appointment at Level B, we’re looking for evidence of:

• Knowledge of satellite and CubeSat systems, including antenna integration constraints for small satellites.

• Experience with reconfigurable, deployable, origami-inspired or shape-morphing antenna technologies.

• Experience with 4D printing, smart materials or shape-memory materials.

• Experience in microwave materials characterisation, including dielectric and/or conductive material measurements.

• Experience with antenna measurement systems, including near-field or far-field antenna characterisation.

• Experience in phased-array antennas, beam steering or electronically/mechanically reconfigurable antenna systems.

• Experience working on collaborative research projects involving universities, industry partners or international collaborators.

• Demonstrated publication record in high-quality journals and conferences in microwave engineering, antennas, additive manufacturing or related fields.

• Previous experience assisting with the supervision or mentoring of postgraduate and undergraduate research students.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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

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