Research Officer - Structural Engineering

Full time fixed term for two (2) years at Camperdown. Base Salary $107,312 + 17% superannuation. Opportunity to support innovative research in sustainable construction materials and structural systems.

The School of Civil Engineering is seeking a Research Assistant to support the research activities of Professor Gianluca Ranzi. This position will contribute to a number of research projects focused on structural systems for modern building technologies, including brick-concrete composite panels and sustainable concrete solutions. The role is ideally suited to an engineering graduate who enjoys hands‐on experimental work and has the ability to establish, operate and maintain laboratory-based testing programs related to building technologies.

Working closely with academic staff and research students, you will assist with the fabrication, instrumentation as well as preparation and testing of structural specimens, and support the successful delivery of experimental research activities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• support the planning, setup and delivery of structural and materials testing programs
• setup, install, calibrate and maintain instrumentation including sensors and data acquisition systems
• assist with the fabrication and preparation of test specimens and experimental equipment, including laser-cut and 3D printed components as well as their 3D representation where required
• supervise and manage day‐to‐day experimental activities in accordance with project requirements and laboratory safety procedures
• collect, organise and maintain accurate experimental data and testing records
• support laboratory operations and equipment maintenance
• liaise with academic staff, researchers and students to ensure testing activities are completed efficiently and safely
• contribute to technical reports and the documentation of experimental outcomes

About you:

• a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
• demonstrated experience in carrying out experimental activities in a research or engineering environment related to modern building technologies
• experience in setting up and operating instrumentation such as sensors, strain gauges, displacement transducers and data logging systems
• practical experience in fabrication and 3D printing applied to the testing of modern building technologies, including the use of manufacturing equipment such as laser cutters and 3D printing
• strong technical and problem‐solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental setups
• a strong commitment to laboratory safety and quality assurance practices
• experience with testing and 3D model representations of modern building technologies will be highly regarded

COVID safety precautions: To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre‐employment checks: Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre‐employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

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Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion.

Applications Close: Wednesday 19 August 2026 11:59 PM. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University may conduct routine pre‐employment checks before an appointment is made.