Research Associate - Chemistry

UNSW; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation 17%

Annual leave loading

Job summary

UNSW Sydney's School of Chemistry invites applications for a Research Associate in electrochemical aptamer-based sensors. Based in Sydney, you will perform fundamental electrochemical research on electrodes and sensors with ARC Laureate project support.

The role focuses on developing assays and preparing results for publication, with collaboration across disciplines. Reporting to Scientia Professor Justin Gooding, the appointee will train PhD and Honours students, contribute to proposals, and

Qualifications

• PhD specializing in electrochemistry.
• Experience in developing electrochemical procedures for surface characterisation.
• Extensive experience in performing electrochemical measurements.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis.
• Experience in a research environment and in training PhD and Honours Students.
• Ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and students.
• Understanding of UNSW aims, objectives and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in electrochemistry and biosensors.
• Perform and supervise experiments in electrochemical aptamer-based sensors.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments.
• Complete experiments and provide timely analysis of results.
• Analyse and write results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to writing scientific papers and reports for journals and progress reports to partners.
• Assist in preparing research proposals and seek collaborations with industry partners.
• Coordinate research activities to meet project milestones.
• Present results at national and international conferences.
• Assist in training PhD and Honours students.
• Align with UNSW values and health and safety policies.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Biosensors

Experimental design

Academic writing

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Training PhD students

Health & safety awareness

Proposal development

Education

PhD in electrochemistry

Tools

Laboratory notebooks

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This Job is based in Australia

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four different undergraduate programs leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

The Research Associate contributes to research on electrochemical aptamer based sensors as part of an ARC funded Laureate project. This role performs fundamental electrochemical research on developing electrodes that can provide insights into developing these sensors and how they can be transitioned to commercialisation.

About The Role

• $118K - $126K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role of Research Associate reports to Scientia Professor Justin Gooding and has no direct reports.

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Conduct research in the area of electrochemistry and biosensors.
• Perform and supervise experiments in electrochemical aptamer-based sensors.
• Write and maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments conducted.
• Successfully complete experiments and on‑time provision of analysis on results.
• Analyse and write results of experiments in a format suitable for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals and progress reporting to other researchers and industry partners.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners as appropriate.
• Assist with the coordination of research activities and actively contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones.
• Present results of experiments at national and international conferences.
• Assist in the training of PhD and honours students.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About The Successful Applicant

(Selection Criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A PhD specialising in electrochemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to develop electrochemical procedures for surface characterisation.
• Extensive experience in performing electrochemical measurements.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis.
• Previous experience in a research environment and in training PhD and Honours Students.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Contact

Justin Gooding

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: November 9th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.