Reference Number: 2007/275
Position Title: OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship Modelling of Nanoscale Heat Transfer
Division: CSIRO Industrial Physics
Location: Lindfield (Sydney), NSW, Australia
Classification: CSOF4
Salary Range: $63K - $69K plus Superannuation
Tenure: Three Years
Applicants: International Applicants Welcome

We would like to appoint a Postdoctoral Fellow to undertake theoretical and modelling studies of heat transfer at the nanoscale. The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a team developing novel sensors based on the heating of nanoparticles arranged in a porous substrate.

Two main complications arise in calculating the heating and cooling of the nanoparticles: the irregular three-dimensional geometry, and the departures from classical heat conduction at the nanoscale. We are planning to adopt a novel multiscale modelling approach to address these difficulties, incorporating commercial finite element software and detailed theoretical calculations of the thermal resistances that arise at boundaries between metals, dielectrics and gases.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to work independently, but to communicate results to the team and be guided by the priorities of the team. The Postdoctoral Fellow may also interact with a team developing nanostructured thermoelectric devices.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship is available to PhD graduates who have attained, or will shortly satisfy the requirements for, a PhD. It is expected that you will have less than three years’ relevant experience since conferral of your PhD upon commencement of the CSIRO Fellowship. The Postdoctoral Fellowship will provide defined opportunities for formal involvement in research planning, conference attendance, publication and review of scientific papers and fully funded training courses for skills development.

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. PhD or will shortly satisfy the requirements for a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as condensed matter physics, materials science, nanotechnology or physical chemistry
2. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in theoretical and/or computational physical science
3. Demonstrated ability to perform research into the physical properties, preferably including thermal properties, of condensed matter
4. Demonstrated ability to contribute new ideas and develop new approaches in a research programme
5. Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently, but within a team environment
6. Ability to communicate research outcomes internally and externally (oral and written)
7. Strong support from knowledgeable referees

Desirable

1. Experience in theoretical research in heat transfer at the nanoscale
2. Experience with finite element modelling packages
3. Ability to apply advanced theoretical concepts to real-world problems
4. Strong research publication record in accordance with early stage of career

Lodge applications at http://recruitment.csiro.au/asp/Job_Details.asp?RefNo=2007%2F275 (or go to http://www.csiro.au , click on 'Careers' and then 'Positions Vacant', and enter Reference Number 2007/275).

Applications close 31 May 2007.