Role type: Full-time; Fixed term for 12 months
Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology
School: Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering
Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super
- Join the Net Zero Australia Project & collaborate with Princeton and industry partners to shape clean energy infrastructure delivery
- Apply now to help deliver Australia's net zero transition through innovative, feasibility-focused energy and infrastructure research
- Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your next career opportunity
Working closely with Dr Dominic Davis, you will help design realistic pathways to Australia's net zero future. You will develop energy system models that reflect real infrastructure development constraints across electricity, renewables and heavy industry. You will work closely with industry and government stakeholders, translating insights into practical policy and investment guidance.
What you will deliver:
- Design and implement energy system optimisation frameworks that incorporate staged, constrained infrastructure delivery sequences for Australia.
- Map and analyse project development pathways for clean energy and industrial decarbonisation assets, from pre-FID stages to operation.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including stakeholder interviews, to validate timelines, costs and decision bottlenecks.
- Identify and rank key transition delivery risks, producing clear recommendations for policy and investment decision-makers.
- Produce high-quality publications, reports and presentations, and contribute to the Department of Mechanical Engineering research culture.
You may be a great fit if you:
- Hold a completed or near-completed PhD in engineering, economics, energy systems, finance or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate strong quantitative modelling experience, ideally in energy system optimisation, project finance or infrastructure analysis.
- Understand energy technologies and large-scale infrastructure delivery, including development stages and capital mobilisation processes.
- Communicate research clearly through writing and presentations, with a track record of high-quality outputs or reports.
- Collaborate effectively with academic, industry and government stakeholders, including conducting interviews and applied research engagements.
- Bring familiarity with energy markets, industrial decarbonisation, project scheduling tools or open-source energy modelling platforms.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:
- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team
Joining the School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering, you will sit within Mechanical Engineering’s Thermodynamics Group. You will be part of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, a global leader in impact-driven research.
The Net Zero Australia Project collaboration with Princeton University and the University of Queensland offers exceptional interdisciplinary networks and visibility. You will work closely with industry, government and community partners, informing real decisions on energy and infrastructure.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.
Application essentials:
- Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
- You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
- A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
- Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
- Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.
Want to know more?
Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Position Description
JR-017448 Research Fellow in Energy Systems PD.pdf
JR-017448 Research Fellow in Energy Systems PD.docx
