Kairuruku | Research Fellow

• 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. 

Role Description: 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. ([email protected]).

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.