Postdoctoral Fellow

About the Role

This role contributes to the development of novel electrocatalysts and ion exchange membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. The Postdoctoral Fellow is responsible for synthesising, prototyping, and scaled-up demonstration, along with assessing key metrics of efficiency and durability, relating these metrics to product performance and life cycle cost, and developing relevant experiments under schedule constraints. The position is located in Sydney, Australia, and offers a salary range of $118K - $126K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading. It is a fixed-term, full-time role (35 hours per week) for 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output recognized by peers, including preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Undertake specific research projects under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to the development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, such as surveys, literature reviews, data gathering, and recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Prepare and maintain experimental materials, equipment, and data.
• Prototype electrochemical devices based on research results.
• Actively apply for external grants and fellowships with support from the supervisor.
• Assist with lab management, including instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and contacting service providers when required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated research experience or expertise in:
  • Ion exchange membranes for electrochemical energy conversion.
  • Material synthesis and device assembly.
  • Material characterisation.
• Prior experience in DFT calculations is preferred but not compulsory.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting a research project, including experiment design, data collection, and record-keeping, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to complete projects in a timely manner and submit reports.
• Commitment to staying up-to-date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Ability to undertake high-quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications in high-impact journals and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.
• Experience in student supervision.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant training.

Contact: Chuan Zhao, chuan.zhao@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: October 29th, 2026