Kairuruku | Research Fellow in Magnetocaloric Materials for Solid-State Cooling

- Have you got experience in carrying out complex theoretical and/or experimental projects?
- Do you have a postgraduate engineering qualification in physics, materials science, engineering or related field?
- Are you comfortable working across hands-on experimental research, data analysis, and technology and market research?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a Kairuruku - Research Fellow in Magnetocaloric Materials for Solid-State Cooling to join Paihau - Robinson Research Institute on a 12-month fixed-term, full-time basis.

Paihau - Robinson Research Institute has an international reputation for superconducting engineering, materials physics and manufacturing engineering. We offer a unique opportunity for a high-achieving engineer to work alongside some of NZ’s top research scientists and engineers contribute to cutting-edge research in critical minerals processing. Our work encompasses discovery science through to commercial implementation.

In this 12-month research position, the Kairuruku - Research Fellow will develop advanced magnetic materials for energy-efficient solid-state cooling and explore their commercial potential for New Zealand industry.

Key responsibilities:

- The project aims to develop promising magnetocaloric thin-film technology while identifying pathways through which it could contribute to innovation-led export growth for New Zealand. The role combines two complementary areas of work: experimental materials research and technology and market exploration.
- In the laboratory, you will develop magnetic thin films, using magnetron sputtering, strain and microstructure engineering, ion-beam processing, and advanced structural and magnetic characterisation to improve their reversible magnetocaloric performance.
- Alongside the experimental programme, you will undertake market research and engage with New Zealand companies to identify promising applications, industry requirements and commercialisation opportunities. You will assess international developments and produce a market opportunity report identifying opportunities and potential partners for New Zealand.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Key requirements:

- Postgraduate engineering qualification in physics, materials science, engineering or related field.
- Comfortable working across hands-on experimental research, data analysis, industry engagement and technology and market research.
- Proven experience in carrying out complex theoretical and/or experimental projects.
- Plans and manages own work effectively and assists others.
- Consistently delivers agreed outputs to a professional standard.

Desirable:

- Experience in thin films, magnetic materials, sputtering, XRD, magnetometry or thermoelectrics would be valuable.
- Interest in translating emerging science into practical and commercial opportunities.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 04 November 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Simon Granville ([email protected]).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.