Professor Harry Messel Research Fellow (Woman only) (PHYSICS)

Full time / Part-time 3 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Physics

Exciting opportunity to undertake independent research and contribute to the advancement of physics at the University of Sydney

Base Salary (Level B): $127,436 – $151,328 p.a. (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About The Opportunity

This position is exempt under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, to conduct targeted recruitment programs for women.

The Professor Harry Messel Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding female researchers to join the School of Physics at the University of Sydney and lead independent research projects.

As the Messel Fellow, you will undertake independent research that strengthens and/or complements existing programs within the School. You will also have the opportunity to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students and contribute to the School’s teaching activities.

The School of Physics is committed to increasing the representation of women in academia and strongly encourages applications from suitably qualified female candidates. An exemption order has been obtained from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board to recruit a female candidate for this Fellowship.

Established in 1980 through a generous donation from Cecil and Ida Green, the Professor Harry Messel Research Fellowship is offered as a fixed-term position for three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The University of Sydney supports part-time and flexible working arrangements, which will be considered for this role. Please note that due to visa sponsorship restrictions, flexible arrangements are only available to local applicants.

The School of Physics is committed to creating a diverse workplace by improving equity, access and opportunity. We want to create an environment where individuality is welcomed and celebrated. We are continuously working to make our workplace open, supportive and safe for everyone and to bring opportunities for innovation, progressive thinking and improving the world around us.

To learn more about the School of Physics, click here

About You

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Fellow who has:

• a PhD in physics or related discipline
• a substantive level of postdoctoral experience and strong evidence of independent research
• a proposed research project that aligns with the research activities and environment in the School
• track record of published research in referred journals as sole author or in collaboration
• experience in presenting seminars at conferences and research institutions
• excellent oral and written English language skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively as a member of a team
• experience in supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students would be highly desired.

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.

Eeo Statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How To Apply

Applications (including a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion or to request reasonable adjustments, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 16 November 2025 11:59 PM