Postdoctoral Fellow - Chemistry

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

Job summary

UNSW in Sydney invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance electrocatalysts and ion exchange membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. The role includes synthesis, prototyping, and scaled-up demonstration, with evaluation of efficiency, durability, and life-cycle cost, under schedule constraints.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team, contribute to manuscripts, and support student supervision in a dynamic lab environment at UNSW. Fixed-term 12 months, full-time.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Experience in electrocatalysis and/or ion exchange membranes.
• Experience in material synthesis and device assembly; and material characterisation.
• DFT calculations preferred but not compulsory.
• Experience coordinating a large multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to complete projects timely and report; strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance research outcomes.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Undertake specific research projects under supervision and develop research activities.
• Support dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels.
• Prototype electrochemical devices based on research results and assist with data collection and analysis.
• Apply for external grants and fellowships with supervisor support.
• Assist with student supervision and lab management, including instrument maintenance.

Skills

Electrocatalysis

Ion exchange membranes

Material synthesis

Device assembly

Material characterisation

DFT calculations

Research coordination

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or 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

This Job is based in Australia

• 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

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 - 12 months (extension possible based on performance and or funding)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Professor Chuan Zhao and Dr Quentin Meyer and has no direct reports.

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 student supervision and 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

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:
  • Electrocatalysis and/or ion exchange membranes;
  • 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 and ability 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: November 5th, 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.