Postdoctoral Research Associate (Engineering)

Macquarie University; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Annual leave loading

Onsite parking

Flexible working options

Onsite childcare facilities

Job summary

Macquarie University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Engineering) to support an ARC-funded project on upcycling waste plastics. The role emphasizes catalyst design, spectroscopy, and process optimization within a collaborative engineering environment.

The successful candidate will perform hands-on laboratory work, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to interdisciplinary efforts across the School of Engineering and Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental capability and demonstrated expertise in catalyst design, spectroscopy, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a discovery project on upcycling waste plastics funded by the Australian Research Council.
• Collaborate across disciplines and mentor junior researchers.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory work and iterative troubleshooting to achieve high-quality scientific outcomes.

Skills

Catalyst design

Spectroscopy

Process optimization

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Engineering)

• Australia, NSW
• Sep 11, 2026

Full-time

Macquarie University Macquarie University is a top-performing modern university situated in Sydney Australia. With its consistency in excellence and eminence over the years, Macquarie has become a five-star university. Essentially,...

Job Description

• Salary package: $112,550 - $120,621 (A.6-A.8) per annum, plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.
• Full-time, one-year fixed term role
• Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled research associate to contribute to a discovery project on upcycling waste plastics funded by the Australian Research Council.

The successful candidate should have research experience in catalysis engineering and reactor system design. They will have excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work in a team collaborating across disciplines.

About You

You will be an emerging researcher with strong experimental capability and demonstrated expertise in catalyst design, spectroscopy, and process optimization. You enjoy hands‑on laboratory work, iterative troubleshooting, and mentoring junior researchers. You are collaborative, organised, and committed to producing high‑quality scientific outcomes.

About Us

The School of Engineering sits within the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a diverse community of academics blazing new trails in the spirit of discovery, exploration and impact. We are talented and knowledgeable engineers and form teams of innovators and creators with a passion for a strong desire to make an impact in research.

Role-specific Enquiries: Professor Yijiao Jiang, [e-mail]

Applications Close: Friday 25th of September 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Why work at Macquarie

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.

Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Flexible working options
• Training and professional development
• Onsite childcare facilities
• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
• Onsite vacation care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework .

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.

• PhD in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

• Demonstrated research expertise in catalyst design, spectroscopy, or process optimization