Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry and Hydrogel Materials

Times Higher Education; Sydney; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Sydney invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry and Hydrogel Materials to join a dynamic team in the School of Chemistry at Camperdown.

You will design and synthesize polymers, analyse data, publish widely, supervise students, and collaborate with partners under Professor Markus Muellner. This is a 1-year full-time fixed-term position with base salary A$93,424–A$125,896 plus 17% superannuation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or closely related field.
• Proven experience in polymer synthesis, characterisation and materials analysis.
• Strong publication record for career stage.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, SEC, DSC, DMA or rheology.
• Ability to undertake independent and collaborative research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including publications and presentations.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students.
• Commitment to research integrity and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in polymer chemistry and materials science.
• Design, synthesize and characterize novel polymeric materials and hydrogels.
• Analyse data and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to development of research proposals and funding applications.
• Present research outcomes at seminars, conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Supervise and mentor higher degree research students where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate research records and comply with lab safety and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Materials characterisation

Analytical techniques

Scientific writing

Supervision

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

NMR

SEC

DSC

DMA

Rheology

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Application Deadline 26 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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.

• 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 projects
• strong 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 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.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to [e-mail]

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.