Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering

usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 114,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering within the Electrochemical Engineering Lab led by Dr Fengwang Li. The role focuses on designing and testing electrochemical cells, developing experimental systems, and advancing device scale-up for robust lab performance.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD (or near completion) in a related field and have hands-on experience with electrochemical devices, CAD design, and process engineering for

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field (or near completion).
• Hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells, including assembly and testing.
• Ability to design electrochemical devices or experimental hardware, including CAD models and drawings.
• Chemical process design for experiments and prototype systems (material and energy balances, PFDs, P&ID).
• Strong understanding of electrochemical performance and transport processes; durability testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble and improve electrochemical cells and reactor prototypes, including electrodes, membranes, flow-field components and seals.
• Develop, commission and operate experimental test systems, integrating electrochemical devices with fluid-handling equipment, instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Plan and conduct electrochemical experiments to evaluate performance, identify limitations and implement improvements.
• Apply chemical process engineering principles to develop configurations, balances, diagrams and equipment selection.
• Contribute to device scale-up and system integration, addressing flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, sealing and reproducibility.
• Translate device concepts into CAD models and drawings, coordinate fabrication and procurement.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, maintain records and prepare technical reports and publications.
• Collaborate with colleagues, mentor students, and contribute to safe lab practices.

Skills

Hands-on electrochemical engineering

Device assembly and testing

CAD for device design

Data analysis and reporting

Independent experimental planning

Education

PhD or near completion in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Full time, fixed term for 1.5 years

Base Salary $113,634 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, established in 1946, offered the first university-level chemical engineering program in Australia. The School is committed to teaching excellence and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by employers in Australia and overseas. The School is research-intensive and considered a world leader in many cutting edge areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

This is an exciting opportunity from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering to work in the Electrochemical Engineering Lab led by Dr Fengwang Li.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Design, assemble and improve electrochemical cells and reactor prototypes, including the selection and integration of electrodes, membranes, flow-field components and sealing systems.
• Develop, commission and operate experimental test systems, integrating electrochemical devices with fluid-handling equipment, instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Plan and conduct electrochemical experiments to evaluate performance, efficiency and durability, identify limitations and failure mechanisms, and implement evidence-based improvements.
• Apply chemical process engineering principles to develop process configurations, perform material and energy balances, prepare process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams, and select appropriate equipment.
• Contribute to device scale‑up and system integration, addressing practical challenges in flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, sealing, reproducibility and stable operation.
• Translate device concepts into CAD models and engineering drawings, and coordinate component fabrication, procurement and assembly as required.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, maintain reproducible research records and engineering documentation, and prepare technical reports and research publications in accordance with confidentiality and intellectual property requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and research partners, support student training and mentoring, and contribute to risk assessments, operating procedures and safe laboratory practices.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering who has:

• A PhD degree (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells, including device assembly, operation, performance testing and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to design electrochemical devices or associated experimental hardware, including the use of CAD software to produce models and engineering drawings, with consideration of materials compatibility, fabrication, sealing and assembly.
• Demonstrated capability in chemical process design for experimental or prototype systems, including material and energy balances, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and equipment selection.
• A strong understanding of electrochemical performance and relevant transport processes, together with practical experience in electrochemical characterisation, performance evaluation and durability testing.
• The ability to plan and deliver experimental research independently, resolve practical engineering problems, critically analyse data and maintain accurate technical records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with research achievements appropriate to career stage and opportunity, demonstrat