Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry and Hydrogel Materials

Usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry and Hydrogel Materials for a fixed-term 1 year in Camperdown. The role focuses on design, synthesis and characterisation of advanced polymeric materials, with potential for extension based on funding and performance.

The successful candidate will pursue cutting-edge research, publish in high‑impact journals and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance polymer science.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated polymer synthesis, characterisation and materials analysis.
• Strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Experience using analytical techniques such as NMR, SEC, DSC, DMA, rheology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in polymer chemistry and materials science.
• Design, synthesize and characterise novel polymers and hydrogels using modern methodologies.
• Analyse data and prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to development of research proposals and funding applications.
• Present research at seminars, conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Supervise and mentor higher degree researchers where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with safety and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterisation

Materials analysis

Independent research

Supervision/mentoring

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

NMR

SEC

DSC

DMA

Rheology

Job description

Full time fixed term for 1 year at Camperdown (potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance)

Opportunity to contribute to innovative polymer chemistry research

Base Salary Level A, $93,424 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry and Hydrogel Materials to join a dynamic research team focused on the design, synthesis and characterisation of advanced polymeric materials. The successful candidate will undertake cutting‑edge research, contribute to high-impact publications, and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance fundamental and applied polymer science.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a leading research environment with access to state-of-the‑art facilities under the supervision of Professor Markus Muellner and to contribute to the University's research excellence agenda.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct independent and collaborative research in polymer chemistry and materials science
• design, synthesise and characterise novel polymeric materials and hydrogels using contemporary synthetic methodologies
• analyse and interpret experimental data and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals
• contribute to the development of research proposals and funding applications
• present research outcomes at seminars, conferences and stakeholder meetings
• supervise and provide guidance to higher degree research students where appropriate
• maintain accurate research records and comply with laboratory safety and regulatory requirements
• collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external partners

About you

• a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline
• demonstrated experience in polymer synthesis, characterisation and materials analysis
• a strong publication record relative to career stage in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals
• experience using relevant analytical techniques such as NMR, SEC, DSC, DMA, rheology or related methods
• evidence of the ability to undertake independent research and contribute to collaborative projectsstrong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific publication and presentation experience
• demonstrated capacity to supervise or mentor students and junior researchers
• commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety and inclusive research practices

Pre‑employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre‑employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender‑based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .