The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is a dynamic regional University committed to developing research solutions that deliver a global impact. With a vision to be a leading discovery partner in priority research areas, UniSQ aligns its research with regional and global agendas in agriculture and natural resource management, regional development, regional health and wellbeing, engineering, education and digital literacy.

We currently have funded positions available in:

1. 2 x Optical diagnostics for remote observations. Concentrating on spectroscopic instrument design and data analysis.
2. Hypersonic boundary layer investigations. Focusing on ground test models and translation to a flight test.
3. Hot model testing and analysis. Undertaking ground testing to develop analytical techniques for surface temperature reconstruction from point measurements.
4. Rocket angle-of-attack and bending load investigation. Starting with tunnel testing, moving towards design for flight testing.
5. High altitude drone design and optical tracking systems for hypersonic flight observations.
6. Rocket and hypersonic vehicle design. Develop and apply co-design methods to simultaneously optimise vehicle design, controller, and trajectory to maximise performance of multi-stage systems.

PhD projects will be done under the supervision of Prof. David Buttsworth, A/Prof. Ingo Jahn, Dr. Fabian Zander, Dr. Craig Lobsey, Dr. Byrenn Birch, and Dr. Tamara Sopek.

As a research group that includes Dr. Tamara Sopek, our Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Women in STEM, we are committed to increasing the number of women in the field of aerospace. Applications from women are therefore especially encouraged.

Value:

• Stipend of AUD$32,000 per annum
• Maximum period of tenure of award is three years. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree will be deducted from the period of tenure

To be eligible applicants must:

• have completed a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours, or equivalent level;
• have applied, or currently enrolled in the PhD at UniSQ;
• not be receiving equivalent support providing a benefit greater than 75% of the student’s stipend rate;
• commence or continue the PhD in Semester 3, 2022 or Semester 1, 2023.

Selection criteria:

Your energy and initiative, combined with your interest regarding experimental aerospace engineering, will be vital to your success in this role. In addition, you will have:

• a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division A) at an Australian University or equivalent in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering,
  mechatronic engineering, control engineering, computer engineering or
• a Master’s degree at an Australian University or equivalent (containing a significant
  research component) with a GPA of at least 5.5 on a 7-point scale

There may be a nationality requirement subject to Australian Defence security clearance (project dependent).