Postdoctoral Research Associate (Engineering)

Macquarie University Hospital; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 113,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work arrangements

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking

Professional development

Job summary

Macquarie University Hospital seeks a Research Associate to contribute to an ARC-funded project on upcycling waste plastics. You will bring expertise in catalyst design, spectroscopy, and reactor development, and you will mentor junior researchers while collaborating across disciplines.

The role is full-time on a one-year fixed term, based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde. Excellent communication skills and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Emerging researcher with strong experimental capability.
• Demonstrated expertise in catalyst design, spectroscopy, and process optimization.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and work across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ARC-funded discovery project on upcycling waste plastics.
• Hands-on laboratory work, iterative troubleshooting, and system development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality research outcomes.

Skills

Catalysis engineering

Reactor design

Spectroscopy

Process optimization

Communication

Team collaboration

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.

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

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

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.

• 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.

If you’re already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you’ll need to apply through your employee Workday account.

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 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.

What we offer?

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Our values — Collective Ambition, Purposeful Collaboration, Bold Innovation, and Genuine Care

We know Macquarie is at its best when we live our values every day.

Hear from our Vice Chancellor Bruce Dowton

Fostering Belonging

Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework 2024-2028 and our Flexible Work approach support Macquarie’s vision by building a community where everyone truly feels safe and like they belong. We acknowledge the richness of each individual’s identity and the potential that brings. This diversity amplifies You to the Power of Us and creates an inclusive environment that leads to better outcomes for all. Through a nurturing and fair environment, we are a workplace that enables you to balance both your personal needs and professional goals.

Discover our beautiful campus

Just 15km from Sydney’s CBD and with access to Australia’s only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world’s greatest cities.

For further information about how the University, collects, uses and discloses personal information about you, refer to the privacy policy.