Research Fellow – Fluid Science And Resources

School of Engineering

• Level B, full-time appointment on a 2-year fixed term basis from July 2023
• Base salary range: $105,043 – $124,301 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

The UWA School of Engineering is renowned for its award-winning researchers, teachers and facilities. It is a multidisciplinary school offering education and research in a number of engineering disciplines. This includes civil, environmental, mining, chemical mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering. Successful applicants will work primarily in the Fluid Science and Resources Research (FSRR) Group (http://www.fsr.ecm.uwa.edu.au/) which primarily conducts research across the resources industry as well as the Future Energy Exports CRC. The relevant theme to this project is the development of hydrogen production and export technology.

About the opportunity

Hydrogen liquefaction has emerged as a promising transportation method due to its high energy density and hydrogen purity, but it is currently prohibitively expensive. In this project, we will exploit the peculiar spin physics of hydrogen to alleviate liquefaction costs by providing controllable refrigeration (so-called ‘cold energy’) following regasification.

As a Research Fellow you will conduct high-quality research on the project. You will measure, optimise and exploit the highly endothermic catalysed conversion of para- to ortho-hydrogen. This project will require a substantial body of work to design and construct a novel plate-fin heat exchanger and execute various experiments required to both quantify the hydrogen para-ortho conversion kinetics as well as the heat transfer performance improvements realised.

About you 

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Have a PhD in Chemical Engineering
• Strong track record of research publication relative to opportunity
• Experience with ortho-para hydrogen characterisation using Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging
• Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic equipment and flammable gas handling
• Experience with the design/development/construction of experimental apparatus based on Hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies
• Ability to manage research projects

Note: Occasional weekend work is required

About your application

Full details of the position’s responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:  PD 513802.pdf

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.