• Annual base salary from $112,550- $127,138 (Level A.6 to Level B.1) p.a plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading. • Full-time, fixed term role for 12 months (with possibility of extension) • Based on site at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde Macquarie University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Materials Engineering to join an industry-funded project on recycling end-of-life solar panels.
The Role Every year, a growing number of end-of-life solar panels enter landfill. The researcher will work on a project focused on recycling end-of-life solar panels and will collaborate closely with the industry partner. The project involves delaminating solar panels, recovering constituent materials, and extracting valuable resources. This project is being undertaken with an industry partner and has the potential to significantly improve the management of electronic waste by addressing the growing number of end-of-life solar panels entering landfill.
We are looking for a passionate researcher who can undertake mechanical design, design and conduct experiments, learn quickly, solve complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to both academic and industry knowledge through this project. Your key responsibilities include: Design and integrate mechanical systems Design tools and equipment for solar panel delamination Design systems for component handling and material recovery during delamination Design and set up a metal recovery system Characterise and scientifically analyse material quality Measure adhesion forces Design and conduct scientific experiments, and collect, analyse and interpret data Contribute to managing and maintaining laboratory equipment Generate and disseminate high-impact research outputs, contributing to reports, conferences and potential IP development Assist in preparing journal publications, conference presentations and grant applications Supervise and mentor higher degree research students where appropriate Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and quality standards How to Apply To be considered for this position, please submit your CV along with a separate document responding to the selection criteria below.
Essential A PhD in mechanical/mechatronics/materials engineering or a closely related discipline Demonstrated track record in mechanical design and/or tool design. Demonstrated track record of research excellence with emerging or established recognition Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work, both domestically and internationally Desirable Previous experience in working on industry projects, with the ability to adhere to project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
*Please note that this position will require a criminal record check. We are only considering applications from candidates who are currently based in Australia and hold full working rights. Applications Close: 23 September 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST) For role enquiry, please contact Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil at binesh.puthenveettil@mq.edu.au *** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received. Why Join Us? Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community.
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