• Actively contribute to the Additive Manufacturing (AM) of new functional materials
• Develop new customised inorganic-organic hybrid composite filaments
• Join the Metal Industries Program within CSIRO Manufacturing team

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

The Postdoctoral fellow will actively contribute to the Additive Manufacturing (AM) of new functional materials. CSIRO is seeking to establish new capabilities to develop and process organic-inorganic hybrid composites by AM, with a focus on the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technique (aka Fused Deposition Modeling, FDM).

In this role, new organic-inorganic feedstock filaments, such as those consisting of combinations of metal, ceramic, polymer or other relevant materials, will be developed and 3D printed by FFF techniques, with a goal of fabricating/preparing both organic-inorganic composite parts, as well as fully inorganic parts. A comprehensive characterisation will be conducted to underpin the effects of introducing the inorganic filler on the rheological, mechanical and functional properties of the polymer matrix. A focused investigation will be dedicated to understanding the filler-matrix interaction. Post-processing treatments will be considered in order to meet surface quality specifications and to embed additional functionality in the printed part.

It is expected the successful candidate will contribute to the development of intellectual property in the area in terms of patents and know-how, and will publish aspects of the research in high quality peer reviewed journals.

• Developing new customised inorganic-organic hybrid composite filaments that might be consistently fed in standard FFF printers;
• Exploring the effect of the inorganic filler on the properties and printability of the polymer matrix;
• Understanding and optimising the bonding mechanisms at the filler-matrix interface before and after printing;
• Creating 3D print samples by FFF and characterising the new hybrid composites;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of post-processing treatments to control the surface topology and to add new functionalities.

Location: Clayton, Victoria
Salary: AU$86k - AU$94k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 67662

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgy etc. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Track record in the development of inorganic-organic composite materials, with a focus on the bonding mechanisms at the material-matrix interface.
• Experience in Additive Manufacturing, especially with FFF techniques and developing filaments.
• Detailed materials characterisation experience, including but not limited to optical and electron microscopy, DSC, DMA, TGA, rheology, XRD, mechanical testing.
• Demonstrated ability to operate key equipment and, where necessary, develop custom processes, as well as maintaining the healthy operation of the laboratory environment in a multi-material process setting.
• High level written and oral communication skills and a sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Applicants must be Australian/New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by December 2020/January 2021.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Balance

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

9 August 2020, 11:00pm AEST