Post-doctoral Researcher, Underwater Vehicle Hydrodynamics Maneuvering and Resistance

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Deliver CFD simulations to analyse underwater vehicle performance
• Access to world-class facilities at DSTG Fishermans Bend and the Australian Maritime College
• Full time and Fixed-Term (June 2028) based in Victoria with regular travel to Tasmania

About the opportunity

Join the University of Tasmania as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Australian Maritime College (AMC), a specialist institute and Australia’s national centre for maritime training, education and research. Within AMC, the Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (CMEH) delivers specialist programs in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, along with higher degrees by research. CMEH is home to internationally renowned research infrastructure, including the Towing Tank and Model Test Basin, enabling world-class experimental hydrodynamics research.

CMEH maintains a long-standing collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) investigating marine vehicle hydrodynamics. As part of an expanded research program with DSTG, this role will contribute to studies focused on underwater vehicle manoeuvring and resistance.

In this position, you will undertake advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, primarily based at DSTG Fishermans Bend in Melbourne. You will also spend periods at AMC’s Newnham campus in Launceston supporting physical model-scale experiments in the Towing Tank/Model Test Basin and contributing to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for recent PhD graduates and early career researchers to further develop their expertise while working across nationally and internationally recognised research environments.

What you’ll do:

• Make an effective and sustained contribution to the University in achieving its strategic objectives and fulfilling its operational responsibilities.
• Undertake high-quality research in underwater vehicle manoeuvring and resistance to meet the requirements, outcomes, and timelines stipulated in relevant DSTG/AMC research agreements.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of productive and effective links inside the University and locally, nationally and internationally within the discipline, relevant interdisciplinary domains, profession, industry and/or wider community.
• Work cooperatively with academic and professional staff on research, technical and administrative tasks.

­What we’re looking for:

• A PhD in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
• A demonstrated understanding of, commitment to, and enthusiasm for, research in the field of fluid dynamics.
• A good record of, and continuing commitment to, research that has achieved national recognition. Worthwhile contributions to the field of hydrodynamics/aerodynamics as demonstrated by a record of quality publications and presentations at conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to perform CFD simulations to investigate hydrodynamics/aerodynamics.
• Ability to work independently, show initiative and work effectively as part of a team to conduct and report on scientific research.
• Demonstrated highly developed written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise, problem solve, record actions and meet deadlines with the capability of making sound independent decisions when required.
• An Australian citizen and able to obtain and maintain a personal security clearance of Negative Vetting Level 1.

Desirable Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to perform physical model scale experiments to investigate marine vehicle hydrodynamics.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level B and will have a total remuneration package of up to $155,885 comprising base salary within the range of $114,766 to $133,235 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
  • Your responses to the essential and desirable role specific skills, knowledge and experience sections from the Position Description below
• For further information about this position, please contact Associate Professor Jonathan Duffy, Sciences and Engineering, J.Duffy@utas.edu.au
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - Post-Doctoral Researcher (503201).pdf

Applications close Sunday, 27 September 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to be an Australian citizen and able to obtain and maintain a personal security clearance of Negative Vetting Level 1.