Full time 20 month fixed opportunity. Located in the Civil Engineering Building on the Camperdown Campus
Advance sustainable mining through granular material mechanics
Base Salary Level A Step 6 - 8 $113,400 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Associate Professor Pierre Rognon’s research team, focusing on the mechanics of granular materials.
Excavating granular materials—such as sand, gravel, and fragmented rock—consumes significant amounts of energy and contributes substantially to global CO₂ emissions. These energy losses occur as ground-engaging tools move through granular packings, yet the mechanisms and scale of this dissipation remain poorly understood.
In this role, you will investigate excavation methods that minimise energy losses. Your work will involve laboratory experiments using a programmable robotic arm to drive 3D-printed buckets into granular packings.
Research Environment
You will be part of the Sydney Centre in Geomechanics and Mining Materials (SciGEM), a world-leading research group in applied granular physics. SciGEM offers a vibrant, collaborative environment with a team of a dozen academics, several postdoctoral researchers, and around 20 PhD students. You will benefit from their collective expertise in physics, geomechanics, geotechnical engineering, experimental methods, and simulation techniques, as well as access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities.
Supervisors: A/Prof Pierre Rognon, Prof David Airey, Dr Benjy Marks
Institution: SciGEM, School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney
Your key responsibilities will be to:
design and conduct experiments
experimentally identify how control parameters (e.g. bucket speed, size, depth, and packing density) influence energy dissipation
develop mathematical models to predict and explain these effects
collect and analyse data, including with the use of machine learning
use this knowledge to design excavation trajectories that reduce energy consumption
develop mathematical models of excavation energy losses
communicate your findings in domestic and international conferences, and via publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals.
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 Mechanics of Granular Materials who has:
a PhD in a related or relevant field to this project
design and conduct experiments
collect and analyse data, including with the use of machine learning
develop mathematical models of excavation energy losses
communicate your findings in domestic and international conferences, and via publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals.
The project will involve the following skills. Your experience in any of them is desirable,
applied physics and mechanics
laboratory experiments
motion control and data acquisition
machine Learning
coding using Python
writing using Latex.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
Visa Sponsorship is available
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 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.
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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Chris Masaoka, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au
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Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 19 October 2025 11:59 PM