Research Fellow in Mechanical Agricultural Engineering

School of Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Centre for Engineering Innovation: Agriculture and Restoration Ecology

• Applications open to researchers with a passion in mechanical engineering and agriculture
• Full time, fixed term appointment until 30 June 2023
• Position will be mainly based at the Centre’s main facility located at the UWA Shenton Park Field Station
• Salary range: Level B: $102,983 - $121,864 per annum plus superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable 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 School of Engineering has an established and dedicated team of teaching and research staff providing broad-based undergraduate programs with solid foundations across engineering disciplines. Innovations in Engineering for Remote Operations form teams of transdisciplinary researchers, offering integrated solutions to the challenges of remote developments.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering specialises in courses involving the production and use of heat and power to design, invent and operate all types of machinery.

You will work directly in a newly formed Centre established to offer innovative solutions to secure the State’s and Nation’s agriculture and environment futures.

About the opportunity

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across the University, project partners and with industry to evolve the targeted tillage fallow weed control device (‘Weed Chipper’) to an in-crop site-specific response tyne weed control system.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• A PhD in mechanism design/dynamics
• Highly proficient in the use of CAD and multibody dynamics with demonstrated expertise in mechanism analysis, CFD, multi-physics or related approaches to agricultural engineering problems
• Ability to work with and on real industry projects with relevant mechanical agricultural engineering design experience and ability to liaise with industry and workshop technicians to develop and improve designs
• Research experience in agricultural and/or mechanical engineering, with a track record of IP generation and commercialisation and/or peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals (Relative to opportunity)
• Knowledge of weed control issues facing Australian cropping systems with expertise solving such issues

A valid ‘C’ class driver’s license will also be a requirement in this position.  

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description

Please see the position description prior to applying:  Position Description - Research Fellow 506812.pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria

Closing date: Sunday, 27 June 2021

This position is open to international applicants.

Application details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.