A quantum physicist and engineer investigating how light can be used to control quantum systems and a mechanical engineer aiming to establish a major battery testing hub are among 16 outstanding women engineers and computer scientists that will join the Faculty in 2026.

The 2025 Women in Engineering recruitment campaign was the first and largest of its kind in the University of Sydney. The campaign has been the cornerstone of the Faculty of Engineering’s investment to address systemic gender inequities in the industry.

Over the last three years the Faculty of Engineering has increased the number of women academics by more than 45 percent.

The 2025 recruitment drive attracted a record-breaking number of female applications, nearly 600 from over 40 countries.

“I was excited to find that the roles were designed specifically to hire women engineers. It opens doors and is a beautiful way to address the issue of gender equity in Engineering,” says Dr Ashley Roach, a mechanical engineer who is joining the University of Sydney from the University of Cambridge.

“Most importantly, the roles give a sense of ownership and stability for early career researchers to make their start in a supportive environment and build their careers with a long-term vision.”

Dr Roach is a specialist in materials science and is interested in the ways material and design choices will influence how a battery fails. She has always loved problem solving and her goal is to create a testing hub for new and current battery designs at the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, the first at the University of Sydney. 

Professor Renae Ryan, Associate Dean of Culture and Community in the Faculty of Engineering says the strong response to the 2025 recruitment campaign clearly shows it is filling a long-standing gap in academia.

“We had a huge number of outstanding applicants from around the world, which confirms that there are amazing women engineers out there and more institutions should be actively creating opportunities for engineering talent to flourish, develop and grow.”

“Due to the overwhelming response, we are announcing an additional 2026 recruitment round to add to our growing community of women engineers and computer scientists at the University of Sydney.” 

Dr Harini Hapuarachchi, a theoretical quantum physicist and engineer, is joining the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering from RMIT University.

Using mathematics and computational simulations, Dr Hapuarachchi investigates strategies to optically control nanoscale signals of quantum systems. These systems include tiny imperfections in diamond that are building blocks of room-temperature quantum sensors, with potential applications in navigation and medical diagnostics.

"I’ve always been fascinated by how elegant mathematics and computing can be, and how these empower us to visualise and control things we cannot see."

"I’m very grateful to the University of Sydney for creating this opportunity, and I hope it helps more women see engineering as a place where they can build ambitious, long-term careers."

“Our Faculty is focused on creating lasting gender equity in engineering, both within academia and across the profession. Evidence is clear that diversity fuels innovation, which is why strengthening women’s representation is so important,” said Professor Hesham El Gamal, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The Faculty of Engineering as part of its broader strategy to increase staff and student diversity is also supporting the 20-year Khuda Family Foundation STEM Program . 

The recruitment campaign supports the Faculty’s commitment to recruiting female students into engineering through the Women in Engineering program, including introducing a new female student buddy program and increasing the number of undergraduate scholarships offered to women studying engineering, with $2.5M in scholarships on offer for women students joining us in 2027. 

According to a 2024 Diversity Council Australia report, only 11 percent of engineering students who identify as female qualify and go on to work in an engineering role. The percentage of women who progress to senior roles is even lower.  

The positions are open to international and Australian candidates.  

Job listing details here.