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PhD Scholarship in Design Optimisation - Job Opportunity at Swinburne University of Technology

Melbourne, Australia
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 23, 2025
On-site
AUD 34,700 per annum for three years

Benefits

Comprehensive PhD scholarship covering three years of research with guaranteed funding providing financial security throughout doctoral studies
Direct collaboration with industry partner KSI Global Australia offering real-world application experience and networking opportunities
Access to cutting-edge research facilities at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus including advanced CAD and FEA simulation capabilities
Opportunity to contribute to life-saving road safety improvements with measurable societal impact
Fixed-term position structure providing clear timeline and milestone expectations for academic progression
Integration into multi-stream research project offering exposure to diverse research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive modeling of electric vehicle crash dynamics with both conventional and Safety Roller Barrier systems to establish new safety standards for emerging automotive technologies
Conduct advanced evaluation of Safety Roller Barrier performance in EV crashes utilizing artificial intelligence optimization techniques to revolutionize roadside safety design
Develop and propose innovative safety enhancements specifically targeting electric vehicle protection in run-off-road collision scenarios
Execute material characterization and experimental testing protocols to validate theoretical models and ensure practical applicability of research findings
Collaborate with industry partners to translate academic research into commercially viable safety solutions with direct market implementation potential
Contribute to scholarly publications and present research findings at international conferences to advance the field of automotive safety engineering

Requirements

Education

Master degree (or equivalent) in Manufacturing or Automotive or Mechanical or Civil Engineering or Material Science or Mechanics, or a similar discipline

Experience

Experience in research project(s)

Required Skills

Experience in modelling (CAD) and computer simulation (FEA) Experience in material characterisation and experimental testings Knowledge in impact dynamics Passionate and have interest in pursuing PhD degree Demonstrated team player who has good interpersonal skills and can collaborate well with others

Certifications

IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0 or TOEFL iBT minimum score of 79 or Pearson (PTE) 58 for international applicants Working with Children Check
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The rapid acceleration of electric vehicle adoption in Australia and globally is creating unprecedented challenges in automotive safety infrastructure, with EV market share projected to reach 30% by 2030, necessitating complete reevaluation of existing safety systems. The unique battery placement, weight distribution, and structural characteristics of EVs are fundamentally altering crash dynamics, making this research area critically important for future road safety standards. Government initiatives and regulatory bodies are increasingly focusing on sustainable infrastructure solutions, with recycled material integration becoming a key requirement for public safety projects. The combination of environmental sustainability with safety performance represents a growing trend in civil engineering and automotive safety sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in engineering design optimization are becoming standard practice, with AI-driven safety system design representing the next frontier in automotive safety technology. The integration of AI with traditional FEA modeling is revolutionizing how safety barriers are designed and tested.

Salary Evaluation

The provided AUD 34,700 annually is standard for Australian PhD scholarships and aligns with the Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rates. While modest compared to industry salaries, this represents competitive academic funding with the added value of industry collaboration and potential for significant career advancement upon completion.

Role Significance

The position involves collaboration within a multi-disciplinary research team of approximately 5-8 researchers, working alongside industry partners and potentially supervising undergraduate research assistants. The collaborative nature with KSI Global suggests integration with a commercial team of 10-15 engineering professionals.
This represents an entry-level research position with significant growth potential, designed for recent master's graduates to develop into independent researchers. The role carries substantial responsibility for leading specific research streams within a larger project, indicating trust in the candidate's potential for autonomous research contribution.

Key Projects

Development of next-generation roadside safety barriers incorporating recycled materials and AI-optimized design parameters Creation of comprehensive EV crash simulation models that will become industry standards for safety testing Implementation of machine learning algorithms for real-time safety barrier optimization based on road conditions and traffic patterns

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in finite element analysis and computer-aided design, combined with strong theoretical foundation in impact dynamics and material science, will be essential for developing accurate and reliable simulation models that can withstand industry scrutiny and regulatory approval processes. Exceptional collaborative and communication skills will be crucial for effectively working with both academic researchers and industry professionals, translating complex technical findings into actionable engineering solutions, and presenting research outcomes to diverse stakeholder groups including government regulators and commercial partners. Strong project management and time management capabilities will be vital for successfully completing a PhD within the three-year timeframe while managing multiple research streams, meeting publication deadlines, and coordinating with external industry partners who operate on commercial timelines.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for researchers specializing in EV safety and AI-optimized engineering design, with the convergence of automotive electrification and advanced simulation techniques creating a critical skills shortage in both academic and industry sectors.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all crash simulation modeling and safety barrier performance evaluation. Proficiency in software packages like ANSYS, ABAQUS, or LS-DYNA will determine the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes, directly impacting the credibility and applicability of findings in both academic and commercial contexts. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills are fundamental for creating accurate geometric models of both electric vehicles and safety barrier systems. Advanced CAD capabilities enable rapid prototyping, design iteration, and seamless integration with simulation software, making this skill critical for research productivity and innovation. Material characterization and experimental testing experience provides the essential link between theoretical models and physical reality. Understanding material properties, testing protocols, and data interpretation ensures that simulation results can be validated against real-world performance, which is crucial for regulatory approval and commercial implementation.

Beneficial Skills

Machine learning and artificial intelligence knowledge will become increasingly valuable as the research progresses toward AI-optimized design solutions. Familiarity with Python, TensorFlow, or similar platforms will enable more sophisticated optimization algorithms and predictive modeling capabilities. Project management and industry collaboration experience will enhance the candidate's ability to work effectively with commercial partners and manage the complex timeline requirements of both academic research and industry development cycles.

Unique Aspects

This position offers the rare opportunity to directly influence national road safety standards through research that will immediately impact real-world infrastructure development, with installed Safety Roller Barriers already demonstrating zero fatalities in operational deployments across multiple Australian states.
The integration of sustainability through recycled tire utilization with cutting-edge AI optimization represents a unique intersection of environmental responsibility and advanced engineering that positions this research at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development.
Direct industry partnership with KSI Global Australia provides unprecedented access to commercial-scale testing facilities and real-world implementation opportunities, bridging the typical gap between academic research and practical application in ways that most PhD programs cannot offer.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-3 years post-PhD completion, with the specialized knowledge in EV safety and AI optimization providing accelerated advancement opportunities in this high-demand field.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Engineer in automotive safety at major manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, or Toyota, focusing on EV-specific safety system development Principal Consultant at engineering consulting firms specializing in transportation infrastructure and safety system design Academic positions as Lecturer or Assistant Professor in mechanical or civil engineering departments with specialization in automotive safety Lead Safety Engineer at government transportation departments or regulatory bodies responsible for establishing new EV safety standards

Company Overview

Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology is a globally recognized dual-sector institution known for its strong industry partnerships and technology-focused research programs. The university has established itself as a leader in applied research with particular strength in engineering and technology disciplines, maintaining active collaborations with major industry players and government agencies.

Swinburne ranks among Australia's top technology universities and maintains strong international research partnerships, particularly in automotive and transportation safety research. The university's industry-focused approach and practical research applications have earned it recognition as a preferred partner for commercial R&D collaborations.
Located in Melbourne, Swinburne benefits from proximity to Australia's automotive industry hub and advanced manufacturing sector. The Hawthorn campus provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and positions researchers within Melbourne's thriving technology and innovation ecosystem.
The university promotes a collaborative, innovation-driven environment that emphasizes practical application of research outcomes. The integration of academic rigor with industry relevance creates a dynamic work culture that values both theoretical excellence and commercial viability of research projects.
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