Senior Research Associate - Computational Chemistry

The Senior Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level B) is expected to carry out independent and/or collaborative team research within the field of computational chemistry (with a focus on molecular simulation) and artificial intelligence/machine learning in chemistry, both with intensive industry collaboration, and to carry out activities to develop their research expertise relevant to this field of research.

The Fellow is expected to assist with the mentorship, guidance and supervision of HDR students in the Walsh research team. The Fellow will also take the lead in maintaining and developing linkages with research teams both within and external to the School of Chemistry, and act as the key liaison point between the Walsh research team and industry partners.

This role is located in Sydney, Australia. The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four undergraduate programs leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include:

• Engage in individual and/or collaborative research in a manner consistent with disciplinary practice.
• Create scholarly impact in the discipline which is recognised by peers in the advancement of disciplinary knowledge.
• Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as a member of a team (as per the norms of the discipline).
• Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.
• Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Participate as co-investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications, or show evidence of active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.
• Design research projects.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues and develop the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs (as per the norms of the discipline).
• Take a strong lead in initiating and establishing new collaborative linkages for the Walsh research team.
• Manage research linkages with industry partners for the Walsh research team.
• 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.

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have:

• A PhD in computational chemistry, computational physics, or computational materials science, and relevant work experience.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with chemistry discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with industry, particularly in the AI/machine learning space.
• A thorough track record of coding and proven aptitude to learn new coding approaches.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Tiffany Walsh
E: tiffany.walsh@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: February 13th, 2026

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.