Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fuel Cell Degradation for eVTOL Aircraft

• Full time, fixed term for three years, with base salary $101K - $112K + 17% superannuation.  Located at the Darlington Campus

• Join a leading research team developing sustainable solutions for long-range electrical vertical take-off and landing aircraft

• Improve the durability of fuel-cell-based hybrid propulsion systems for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft

About the opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake fundamental and applied research related to the degradation of fuel cells for advanced air mobility application.

Reporting to ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor Dries Verstraete, as Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fuel Cell Degradation for eVTOL Aircraft, you will work with a team of PhD students to quantify fuel cell durability for advanced air mobility applications. You will drive the development of degradation models for electrochemical energy sources tailored to eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) applications and take a leadership role in generating high quality research output. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to improved longevity of energy sources for aeromedical eVTOL aircraft. As part of the project, you will have opportunities to collaborate closely with academics within the university and with our industry partners.

In this role you will:

• assess existing degradation models for fuel cells and their applicability to eVTOL duty cycles,

• experimentally quantify degradation of fuel cells and fuel-cell-based hybrid energy sources,

• identify interactions between eVTOL flight dynamics and energy source behavior, using a hardware-in-the-loop simulator, and

• contribute as a researcher to project report preparation, presentation at internal workshops, and dissemination at top international conferences and journals as well as via internal workshops and presentations.

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 Fuel Cell Degradation for eVTOL Aircraft who has:

• completed (or near completion) a PhD in a topic related to fuel cell performance, fuel-cell-based hybrid systems, fuel cell degradation, aero-propulsive interactions of eVTOL aircraft, or related fields

• experience in experimental investigations of electrochemical energy sources, with a preference for fuel cells

• knowledge of fuel cell degradation modeling and prognostics, especially as relevant to dynamic applications

• a proven ability to conduct high quality research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications

• an ability to coordinate multiple project objectives to meet established targets and deadlinesexcellent communication and interpersonal skills

Candidates with hands-on experience with fuel cells and uncrewed aerial systems will be highly regarded.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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. 

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 Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar at [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 11 June 2024 11:59 PM