PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary Package: Annual base salary $116,590 - $120,621 (Academic Level A, Step 7–8) plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, 2-year fixed-term appointment
• Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
• Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering
• School: School of Engineering

An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and motivated Research Fellow to join the NanoTech Laboratory in the School of Engineering at Macquarie University and contribute to an industry-linked project focused on electronic skin, flexible electronics, and nano-engineered sensing technologies.

You will work on the development of flexible and stretchable sensing platforms for pressure, strain, bending, and tactile sensing. The project will involve the design, fabrication, and characterisation of nanostructured sensing materials, flexible and stretchable electrode networks, and sensor arrays capable of detecting pressure, strain, bending, tactile interactions, and environmental stimuli, with applications in wearable technologies, intelligent sensing systems, human–machine interfaces, healthcare monitoring, and soft robotics.

Key responsibilities include:

Development of flexible and stretchable pressure and strain sensing technologies based on nano-engineered materials

Design and fabrication of nanostructured sensing materials, flexible electrode networks, and sensor devices, including nanofiber-based and polymer-composite sensing materials employing piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or capacitive sensing mechanisms.

Electromechanical characterisation of sensing devices under pressure, strain, bending, cyclic loading, and dynamic mechanical deformation

Optimisation of sensor performance, including sensitivity, response time, hysteresis, durability, stability, and repeatability

Preparation of high-quality journal publications, conference outputs, project reports, and industry-focused documentation

Contribution to prototype development, technology translation, and collaborative industry research outcomes

Provide mentoring and day-to-day supervision of HDR students working on related projects.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University brings together world-class research and teaching across engineering, science, technology and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges through interdisciplinary and industry-engaged research. The School of Engineering is a dynamic and growing school with expertise across materials, electronics, energy, robotics, biomedical engineering, telecommunications, and intelligent systems.

Essential

A PhD in materials engineering, textile engineering, nanotechnology, or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated experience in electronic skin, pressure and strain sensing technologies, flexible electronics, wearable sensors, or related device technologies.

Hands-on experience with materials fabrication techniques such as electrospinning, solution processing, thin-film deposition or coating, printing, patterning and nanocomposite fabrication.

Experience in electrical, electromechanical and mechanical characterisation of flexible and stretchable sensors, materials, and devices.

Demonstrated ability to analyse experimental data, troubleshoot device performance, and optimise sensor materials and architectures.

A strong publication record relative to opportunity, including peer-reviewed journal articles in relevant fields.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality research outputs.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project milestones and deadlines.

Desirable

Experience with electrospun nanofiber-based, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive, or multimodal pressure and strain sensing platforms.

Experience mentoring, training, or contributing to the supervision of HDR or research students, and/or working on industry-linked or translational research projects.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Applications Close: 1 August 2026

International applicants are encouraged to apply, and visa sponsorship may be available for the successful candidate, subject to eligibility.