Research Fellow

The School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and high-quality research in civil and mechanical engineering. Curtin is recognised internationally as a leader in graduate research studies and for the breadth and quality of its research higher degree programs, and offers Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The School has acquired laboratory facilities worth over $5 million and has a student retention rate 90% retained in School programs, with 93% retained at Curtin, one of the highest student-satisfaction rates across the university. 

A 2-year fixed term Research Fellow position (Level B) is available in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University. The successful candidate will work with Associate Professor Wensu Chen on his Australian Research Council Future Fellowship. The duty of this position is closely related to Structural Dynamics with special foci on the structural analysis and design under impact and blast loads. 

As a Research Fellow on this project, key accountability will be to:   

• Plan and deliver high quality research under the guidance of ARC Future Fellow 
• Conduct laboratory and numerical work that contributes to the project 
• Disseminate research findings in high quality refereed journals and conferences and promote the research work 
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate students/other research staff 
• Collaborate with research members in the group 
• Contribute to teaching activities, professional society activities as required 
• Participate in industry-related project activities as required 

• Young, vibrant university that is ranked in the top 300 universities worldwide according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities and QS World University Rankings 
• Easily accessible campus with gym, child care, wellness programs, and medical and counselling services 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Located in Perth, the world’s sixth most liveable city according to the 2021 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Group 
• Excellent maternity leave arrangements 
• New Curtin Exchange innovation precinct 

For further information on Curtin’s employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au/jobs/ 

We are looking for someone with (essential criteria)    

• A PhD degree in civil/structural engineering or related field 
• Demonstrated research excellence in the area of structural dynamics and structural protection, especially in the structural analysis and design under static, impact and blast loads 
• Demonstrated systematic knowledge regarding dynamic effect on structural behaviour under impact and blast loads 
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience/ability in laboratory tests on structural behaviours under static and impact loads 
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience/ability in numerical simulation on structures subjected to impact and blast loads using software LS-DYNA and its subroutines 
• Demonstrated skills of using finite element modelling tool, Matlab, Origin, Subroutine programming 
• Evidence of research outputs in high quality refereed journals consistent with the discipline 
• Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills towards the development of a collegial and supportive working environment and the ability to interact with students and staff 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently also as a collaborative team member within project timeline 

Candidates should note that some Curtin University positions are covered by the Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces. www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-policy-wa-workforces

If the position you are applying for is covered by this policy, you will be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status (or formally granted exemption) prior to commencing employment.

Curtin University requires you to provide a cover letter and resume to include sufficient information and examples to allow us to assess your suitability for the role.   

Applications close: 9:00pm AWST, Thursday 10th February 2022 

Contact details  

If you have a query in relation to the application process please contact our careers team on [email protected]  

If you have any further queries regarding the role, please contact:
Associate Professor Wensu Chen - School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering –[email protected]  

Inclusion and Diversity at Curtin 

We are committed to ensuring that Curtin has an inclusive environment, free from harassment, in which all students, staff and the community feel respected, valued and welcome.  

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people with disability to participate fully in our recruitment, selection and appointment processes. 

We have received recognition in this area:

• Voted one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2019-2020 (Diversity Council of Australia). 
• Have become one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan. 
• Achieved Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation (2018-2020). 
• Voted 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019) 

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.