Postdoctoral Fellow

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Annual leave loading

Job summary

UNSW in Sydney, Australia seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry or Materials Science to advance electrocatalyst and ion exchange membrane research for electrolyzers and fuel cells. You will synthesize, prototype and demonstrate devices and assess efficiency and durability.

This fixed-term, full-time role (35 hours per week) aims to deliver high-impact scholarly outputs while aligning with UNSW's values and safety policies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Experience with ion exchange membranes for electrochemical energy conversion.
• Experience in material synthesis, device assembly and material characterization.
• DFT calculations preferred but not mandatory.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and coordinate large teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to collaborative research to enhance research outcomes.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Undertake research projects under supervision and contribute to development of activities.
• Prototype electrochemical devices based on research results.
• Assist with grant applications and lab management.

Skills

Ion exchange membranes

Material synthesis

Device assembly

Material characterization

DFT calculations

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This Job is based in Australia

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four different undergraduate programs leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

This role and contributes to the development of novel electrocatalysts and ion exchange membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. The Postdoctoral Fellow is also responsible for synthesising, prototyping, and scaled-up demonstration, along with assessing key metrics of efficiency and durability, relating these metrics to product performance and life cycle cost, and developing relevant experiments under schedule constraints.

THIS ROLE IS LCOATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers, including by preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake other discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods. Prepare and maintain experimental materials, equipment, and data.
• Prototype electrochemical devices based on research results.
• Actively apply for external grants and fellowships with support from the supervisor.
• Assist with lab management, including instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and contacting service providers when required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant

(Selection Criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Demonstrated research experience or expertise in the following:
• Ion exchange membranes for electrochemical energy conversion;
• Material synthesis and device assembly; and
• Material characterisation. Prior experience in DFT calculations is preferred but not compulsory.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting a research project (including experiment design, data collection, and record‑keeping) and coordinating the efforts of a large multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects in a timely manner and submit reports.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in high-impact journals and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in student supervision.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Contact

Chuan Zhao

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: October 29th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.