Postdoctoral Fellow

About the role

This position is based in Sydney, Australia. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the development of novel electrocatalysts and ion exchange membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells, including synthesis, prototyping, scaled-up demonstration, assessment of efficiency and durability metrics, and relating those metrics to product performance and life‑cycle cost.

Fixed‑term contract for 2 years, full‑time (35 hours per week).

Pay

$118,000 – $126,000 per annum plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research 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 recognised by peers, including preparing manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• 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 other discipline‑appropriate research activities (e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or 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 and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• 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 the efforts of a large multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects in a timely manner and submit reports.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in high‑impact journals and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in student supervision.
• 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.