Job Description

• Are you an experienced post-doctoral engineer or scientist interested in a fixed-term role?
• Have you got a Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics or a closely related field?
• Do you have experience using modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, or similar?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kairuruku - Research Fellow to join Paihau - Robinson Research Institute on a 2 year, fixed-term, full-time contract.

Paihau - Robinson Research Institute has an international reputation for superconducting engineering, materials physics and manufacturing engineering. We offer a unique opportunity to work within the newly established Future Magnetic Materials Technologies Platform, contributing to cutting-edge research in high-temperature superconductor technologies for applications in compact fusion, electric propulsion and electric aircraft. Our work encompasses discovery science through to commercial implementation.

We are seeking an experienced post-doctoral engineer or scientist to work on robust no-insulation superconducting coils.

The role will contribute to a range of applied projects, working closely with our international and domestic research partners.

The successful applicant must be prepared to perform a large variety of tasks: designing prototypes and programming tasks, fabricating and assembling prototypes, undertaking detailed modelling and calculations, and always involving challenging problem-solving.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Key requirements:

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling and characterising high-temperature superconductors.
• Experience in characterising and modelling mechanical properties and failure modes of high-temperature superconductors.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in modelling simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, or equivalent.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or demonstrated innovation in experimental methods.
• Practical implementation and prototype build skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers.
• Aptitude and willingness to learn new skills required to address difficult problems.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills.

Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 05 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman. (Jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise