Research Associate - Chemistry in Cambridge

Position Overview

Research Associate – Chemistry (Level A) at UNSW Sydney, full time, fixed-term 1 year, 35 hours per week. Salary: $113,000 – $121,000 plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Location: Sydney, NSW.

The School of Chemistry teaches over 2,000 undergraduate students annually and offers undergraduate programmes that lead to majors in chemistry. Five teaching laboratories specialise in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

The role involves contributing to the Smart Materials and Surfaces research group, focusing on sustainable electrochemistry to produce organic molecules from simple low‑cost species or waste products. Responsibilities include performing fundamental electrochemical research, developing electrodes, characterising products, analysing experimental data, and supporting the dissemination of research outcomes to achieve grant success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a discovery science research project focused on electrochemistry and electrosynthesis.
• Develop methods to characterise products from electrochemical reactions.
• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to drive the success of the grant and enhance the quality of research outcomes.
• Analyse experimental data, interpret results, and support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Prepare and present findings at internal meetings, external project update meetings with collaborators, scientific conferences, and workshops.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD in electrochemistry or organic chemistry with a strong emphasis on electrochemical synthesis.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced electrochemical methods.
• Demonstrated ability to develop electrochemical procedures for materials characterisation.
• Interest or expertise in the synthesis of high surface area nanostructured materials.
• 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, as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publications and conference presentations relevant to the role.
• 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 training.

There are 2 roles available.

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.