Postdoctoral Fellow

About the role

The successful applicant will contribute to the research activities of UNSW and the School of Materials Science and Engineering, focusing on the development of novel carbon materials, especially graphene-based nanostructures, for clean energy and sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Lead the synthesis, functionalization, and intercalation of graphene and graphene-oxide materials including optimizing morphology, defect chemistry, and interlayer spacing to target enhanced mass transport and energy-storage performance.
• Conduct advanced in-situ and operando characterisation, including EC-TEM, synchrotron XANES/EXAFS, Raman, FTIR and XPS, to investigate the physical and chemical structure of the graphene-based materials.
• Implement electrochemical testing protocols (cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, impedance spectroscopy) on graphene-based materials and analyse the performance metrics.

Requirements

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or a related discipline, with expertise in carbon nanomaterials.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with developments in graphene-based materials, including recent advances in GO/rGO synthesis and functionalisation.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision, including the independent conduct of experimental work, particularly in the field of 2D materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge and research experience in mass transport through graphene and graphene-based materials, including their applications in membrane separation, nanofluidics or related technologies.
• Experience in mentoring HDR and honours students in materials research.
• Strong publication record relative to opportunity, with articles in high-impact journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships with both academic and industry partners.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to conduct high-quality research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

Fixed term – 2 years
Full-time (35 hours per week)

Pay

$113K - $121K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

Schedule

Full-time (35 hours per week)