Research Fellow

• 1-year fixed term, full time position (with possible extension)
• $118,308 - $140,147 (ALB), plus 17% superannuation
• Based within the John de Laeter Centre, Curtin Bentley Campus

Reference Number:

Curtin University is proud to play a pivotal role in the newly established Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), a national initiative advancing Australia's manufacturing capability through cutting-edge industrial 3D printing. As part of this, Curtin has invested in the Photon Forge Additive Manufacturing (PFAM) Facility, a world-class hub within the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC), where research excellence meets real-world impact.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Research Fellow to lead an industry-driven project in maritime applications of additive manufacturing. This role blends research, stakeholder engagement, and applied innovation to deliver practical outcomes for industry and government partners.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing a framework to identify and prioritise components suitable for metal additive manufacturing.
• Applying AI, data analytics and machine learning to evaluate 2D and 3D design data.
• Collaborating with defence, marine, and advanced manufacturing partners to align research with operational needs.
• Operating and optimising metal additive manufacturing systems and ensuring safe, effective production.
• Testing and characterising manufactured parts using microscopy and materials analysis.
• Translating research into commercially relevant outcomes, helping strengthen Australia's sovereign capability.

Who we are looking for – Selection Criteria:

We are looking for someone who is passionate about additive manufacturing and eager to apply their expertise in an industry-focused environment. Our ideal candidate will meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in additive manufacturing or related advanced manufacturing processes.

• Strong grounding in materials science, with exposure to testing and characterisation techniques.

• Skills in data analytics, AI or machine learning, applied to engineering challenges.

• Confidence working with diverse stakeholders - from industry engineers to government partners.

• Strong communication skills, with a record of publications or technical reporting.

Desirable:

• Experience with maritime, defence, aerospace, or related sectors will be highly regarded.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, suitably qualified Australian residents with unrestricted work rights that match the tenure of this role will be highly regarded. We may also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Ability to work or attend meetings outside of traditional business hours.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction

Your new Team - Photon Forge Additive Manufacturing (PFAM) Facility:

The PFAM Facility is a new strategic investment within Curtin University's John de Laeter Centre (JdLC), one of Australia's largest and most advanced research infrastructure hubs. Building on JdLC's $50 million suite of world-class instruments, PFAM places Curtin at the forefront of industrial 3D printing, enabling innovation across maritime, defence, energy, mining and other key sectors. Together, PFAM and JdLC provide researchers and industry partners with cutting-edge capabilities in materials characterisation, corrosion science, and additive manufacturing, creating a powerful platform for collaborative research and tangible outcomes.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page -

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit

Join Us

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up to date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Monday, 27 October 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.