Phd Scholarship - Numerical Modelling

• Opportunity to help develop a novel nanophotonic therapy targeting drug-resistant hypertension
• Full-time, fixed term (3.5 years) position at our Hawthorn campus
• Annual stipend $40,000

About the Role
We are seeking a talented and motivated graduate in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or biophysics to join our multidisciplinary research team as a Research Scientist/Engineer. This is a rare opportunity to help develop a novel nanophotonic therapy targeting drug-resistant hypertension—an increasingly urgent and underserved medical challenge worldwide.

In this role, you will develop a numerical modelling framework to simulate how light and heat interact with the target body tissue, while also incorporating neural signalling dynamics to explore how light-based stimulation affects chemoreceptor activity. Your work will bridge both computational and experimental research, including validation using in vivo models, optimising light delivery systems, and aligning in vitro and in vivo findings. You'll also contribute to the design and refinement of a catheter-based optical fibre system for delivering therapy.

This interdisciplinary project lies at the crossroads of nanotechnology, chemistry, and biomedical science, offering the opportunity to work closely with a collaborative team dedicated to solving real-world health problems. You’ll gain experience with state-of-the-art optical and thermal modelling, simulation tools such as COMSOL, and programming in MATLAB, Python, or C++. You'll be part of a supportive environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and impactful research.

By joining this groundbreaking initiative, you’ll be contributing to a technology that could dramatically improve outcomes for patients who do not respond to current hypertension treatments. This role offers not only professional development and scientific challenge, but also the chance to make a lasting impact on global health.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Experience in optical and thermal modelling, and/or optical design and fabrication.
• Experience in numerical modelling of light propagation and heat in complex media, including biological tissues.
• Expertise in Multiphysics simulation software (e.g., COMSOL) and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++).
• Experience with biophotonics applications, such as endoscopy, optical fiber technologies, or laser-based therapies.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Proven ability to work under supervision to produce quality research outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications
4 year Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related field.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position. To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Tuesday 17 June 2025, at 11.00pm (AEST)

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
#LI-SW