Job Overview & Organization Mission

UNSW Sydney is appointing an Associate Professor (Level D) in Photovoltaics to lead next-gen solar cell research at Kensington campus.

UNSW Sydney’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) invites applications for an Associate Professor in Solar Energy.

As a key member of the team at UNSW Sydney in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Provide strategic: Provide strategic research leadership in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell technology.
• Lead major: Lead major competitive ARC, ARENA, and industry-sponsored research projects.
• Deliver undergraduate: Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses in renewable energy systems.
• Engage with: Engage with international solar manufacturers and renewable energy policymakers.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at UNSW Sydney, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD in Photovoltaics, Electrical Engineering, or Energy.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• PhD in Photovoltaic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Substantial international recognition as a research leader with strong citation metrics.
• Demonstrated success securing competitive research funding ($1M+).

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At UNSW Sydney, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$165,000 – AU$190,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary (Level D) $165,000 – $190,000 plus 17% superannuation.
• World-class laboratory cleanrooms and photovoltaic fabrication facilities.
• Generous family leave and university childcare facilities.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney is a global leader in clean energy research, famous as the birthplace of modern silicon photovoltaic technology.

UNSW Sydney is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official UNSW Sydney careers gateway.