- Lead numerical modelling of carbonate sand for offshore foundations, support research outcomes, and contribute to publications and student supervision.
- Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for two years.
- Base salary range: Level B, $118,150– $139,812 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.
About the area
The School of Earth and Oceans is a newly formed School from merging the School of Earth Sciences and the Oceans Graduate School at UWA. The school’s research reputation is globally recognised and encompasses a broad range of Earth Science disciplines (geoscience, hydrogeology, geodata analytics, oceanography, and in Coastal and Ocean Engineering (hydrodynamics, geotechnics). Fundamental and applied research is strongly tied to terrestrial and marine environments and resources, and development of geoscience, engineering and technology solutions. This activity provides wide-ranging opportunities for graduate research training and creates a strong focus on research-led teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate study in these disciplines.
This position is within the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Linkage Project (LP230100307), “Foundations for offshore wind turbines in Australian carbonate seabed soils” based at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) at UWA and in collaboration with our project partner, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) Perth.
The position will be part of the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems (COFS), within the School of Earth and Oceans. COFS, established in 1997 as an ARC Special Research Centre, is a world- leading research centre in offshore geotechnics, at the forefront of research in offshore renewables.
About the opportunity
- Lead the development, calibration, and coding of a constitutive model to reflect uncemented carbonate sand behaviour, including cyclic loading and particle breakage effects, for use in numerical modelling.
- Collaborate with UWA and NGI investigators to support the broader research project, including developing predictive methods for monopiles and validating models through centrifuge testing.
- Contribute to research dissemination through publications, conferences, and supervision of students.
About you
- PhD or equivalent industry experience in geotechnical engineering or a closely related field.
- Relevant research experience (or equivalent experience in engineering practice) and expertise at an appropriate level in geotechnical engineering.
- Expertise in constitutive and numerical modelling as well as coding.
- Experience with Linux-based high performance computing facilities desirable.
- A demonstrable track record in excellence in research evidenced by peer-reviewed journal articles published in high quality journals relative to opportunity.
Position description: 
PD [Research Fellow] [520746].pdf
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Britta Bienen at britta.bienen@uwa.edu.au
How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.
You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
This position is open to international applicants.
About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.
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Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.
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