At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop sustainable polymers using innovative light-driven processes.
- Company: UNSW Faculty of Engineering, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, superannuation, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable materials and contribute to green chemistry.
- Qualifications: PhD in material science or chemistry with expertise in polymerization techniques.
The predicted salary is between 91381 - 121838 € per year.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to developing sustainable polymers and materials via visible-light-driven processes. The core focus of this role is the design and synthesis of novel, recyclable polymeric materials using low-energy photopolymerization. Specifically, the postdoc will work on PET-RAFT (Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) polymerization for the synthesis of degradable polymers intended for bio applications, with a focus on drug delivery systems. Lipoic acid and its derivatives will be employed as key monomers to enable degradability. In addition, the postdoc is expected to leverage machine learning approaches for the optimization of polymer properties and degradation profiles. This role will be based in Australia. The successful candidate will lead pioneering research in controlled polymer synthesis, employing advanced techniques to create materials with tailored properties.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Structural design and physicochemical characterization
- Assisting in the supervision of PhD students
A central objective is ensuring that all developed materials are recyclable, strictly aligning the project with the principles of green chemistry and the circular economy. The role also encompasses the application of machine learning tools to accelerate the optimization of polymer architectures and degradation behaviour.
Salary & Location
Salary, Level A - $91,381 - $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
Full Time Fixed-term contract – 12 months (potential for extension)
Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
Qualifications
- A PhD (or soon to be awarded) in material science or chemistry, with expertise in controlled/living radical polymerization (specifically, Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerisation, Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization (NMP))
- Demonstrated expertise in the preparation of functional polymers using controlled/living radical polymerization (preferably, photoRAFT)
- Experience with photoinduced electron/energy transfer – RAFT (PET-RAFT) polymerization and the use of lipoic acid or its derivatives or other monomers for the synthesis of degradable polymers is highly desirable
- Experience in machine learning models for the optimization of polymers
- Demonstrated track record of publications in polymer science and polymer characterization
- 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 ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships
- Demonstrated previous research experience in polymer synthesis, photochemistry, and synthesis of functional monomer
- Experience in drug delivery applications and biopolymer design is advantageous
- Familiarity with machine learning methods for polymer optimization is desirable
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students
Equal Opportunity Statement
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.
Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow – UNSW Faculty of Engineering (School of Chemical Engin[...] in Birmingham employer: UNSW
UNSW offers an exceptional work environment for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in the field of sustainable materials. Located in the vibrant Kensington area of Sydney, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and a commitment to professional development, including opportunities to supervise PhD students and engage in interdisciplinary projects. With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, UNSW is dedicated to creating a supportive workplace that values diverse perspectives and encourages meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow – UNSW Faculty of Engineering (School of Chemical Engin[...] in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of polymer science and engineering. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups to chat with potential colleagues and mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any relevant work you've done in polymer synthesis or machine learning. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in sustainable polymers and be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with the role. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at UNSW. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow – UNSW Faculty of Engineering (School of Chemical Engin[...] in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in controlled/living radical polymerization and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on sustainable polymers and materials!
Show Off Your Research Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your research experience, especially in polymer synthesis and photochemistry. We’re looking for someone who can lead pioneering research, so let us know about your past projects and publications!
Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration:Since this role involves working in a dynamic team, make sure to mention your ability to collaborate across disciplines. Share examples of how you’ve built effective relationships in previous roles or projects!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at UNSW!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW
✨Know Your Polymer Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of controlled/living radical polymerization techniques, especially RAFT and PET-RAFT. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences and how they relate to the role, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that involved degradable polymers or drug delivery systems.
✨Showcase Your Machine Learning Skills
Since this role involves leveraging machine learning for polymer optimisation, be prepared to talk about any relevant experience you have with machine learning models. Bring examples of how you've applied these techniques in your research and how they can benefit the development of sustainable materials.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This position requires working within a collaborative team environment. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with others, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight your ability to build effective relationships and support PhD students, as this will show you're a team player.
✨Align with Green Chemistry Principles
Familiarise yourself with the principles of green chemistry and the circular economy, as these are central to the role. Be ready to discuss how your research aligns with these principles and how you can contribute to developing recyclable materials. Showing your commitment to sustainability will resonate well with the interviewers.
