Paihau—Robinson Research Institute

About Paihau—Robinson Research Institute

We are Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier education and research institute for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) and clean materials technology, with expertise in mechanical design, electronics engineering, manufacturing, integration, and testing. Commercially focused, we are developing sustainable technologies for real world applications.

The team
Paihau–Robinson is recognized worldwide as a pioneer and leader in high-temperature superconductivity and green steel research. Our researchers are world-leading in their fields, with extensive expertise ranging from magnet engineering, to fundamental physics.

We take new scientific ideas and turn them into innovative engineering solutions. Through our industry partnerships within New Zealand and internationally, we are creating a network of companies working together to commercialize our new technologies.

Postgraduate opportunities
We have PhD projects available within most research areas. Our students build industry-ready skills alongside their academic research, and have opportunities to work with industry to develop their technology. Fully-funded scholarships are available for outstanding international and domestic students; these scholarships cover full tuition fees, insurance, and pay an annual tax-free stipend minimum $30 000 NZD (as of 2022) for up to three years. Further information is available on our website.

Research areas

• Superconducting motors for electric aircraft
• Zero carbon steel production
• Electric thrusters for space propulsion
• Next-generation portable MRI systems
• Applied physics of superconductors
• Development and characterization of HTS wires
• Fibre-sensing technologies
• Applications of novel magnetic materials

What we are looking for
We welcome curious thinkers with a passion for creating a sustainable future. Our close-knit, collaborative team of scientists, engineers and students have a variety of backgrounds, both in expertise and experience.

We are looking for students, graduates and senior roles – send us an e-mail if
you would like to join our team: rri-admin@vuw.ac.nz.

Location
Wellington, New Zealand

Number of researchers
50+ research staff and 25+ postgraduate students

Positions recently recruited for
From student interns, to PhD students, to graduate to senior, across all our research areas

Desired degree disciplines/class
First-class Bachelor with honours or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or related disciplines (GPA equivalent > 90%). Candidates must also meet the university’s english-language proficiency requirements

How to apply
Available postgraduate scholarships: robinson.ac.nz/vacancies/phd.html

Closing date
All year round

Contact
Tel +64 4 463 0080
E-mail rri-admin@vuw.ac.nz
www.wgtn.ac.nz/robinson