At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading research team to design and characterise novel materials for perovskite photovoltaics.
- Company: UNSW, a world-leading institution in renewable energy research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong industry partnerships and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable energy and advance your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry or related field with expertise in functional materials.
The predicted salary is between 126711 - 126711 £ per year.
This job is based in Australia. Full time Fixed-term contract – 1 year (with the possibility of extension for another 4 years). Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia.
The Opportunity
The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a leading research team. This role will focus on the design, synthesis and characterisation of novel functional materials for perovskite photovoltaic applications, contributing to the development of high-performance devices and next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Working within a collaborative research environment, you will help advance innovative approaches to materials development, device fabrication and characterisation. This position will provide you with the opportunity to develop your scholarly research and professional activities. You will contribute to the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets, participate in conferences and workshops, and assist with the supervision of research students. This role reports to Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao and has no direct reports.
About UNSW
UNSW is a world‑leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where academic expertise translates into real‑world outcomes. The university is home to cutting‑edge research that drives innovation and societal progress, while its excellence in teaching ensures students are prepared to lead in their fields. For academics, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to flourish — combining world‑class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports both career growth and meaningful contributions to the wider community. The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering is internationally recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy.
Skills & Experience
- A PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, development and characterisation of functional materials, with experience in photovoltaic device fabrication and evaluation highly desirable.
- 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 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.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW. Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 24th August 2026.
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre‑employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right‑to‑work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. 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.
Contact: For role‑specific inquiries, please contact Prof Xiaojing Hao E: xj.hao@unsw.edu.au For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud (Talent Acquisition Associate) E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
Postdoctoral Fellow in Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials in Cambridge employer: UNSW
UNSW is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises equity and diversity. As a part-time Research Associate at The Kirby Institute, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that impacts public health while collaborating with leading experts in a supportive environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, UNSW provides unique advantages such as flexible hybrid working arrangements and access to cutting-edge resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow in Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UNSW, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UNSW. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow in Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UNSW. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UNSW. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UNSW. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UNSW to drive research projects forward.
