Full time, fixed term position for two years. Located at the Faculty of Science on the Camperdown Campus

Play a vital role in conducting research into surfactant self-assembly structures formed in ionic liquids and their solutions

Base Salary Level A $117,936 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry are welcoming applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Self-Assembled Ionic Liquids to work on an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded postdoctoral position carrying out research into surfactant self-assembly structures formed in ionic liquids and their solutions.

Working closely with Professor Gregory Warr and his team, the successful candidate will have experience in the design, execution and analysis of neutron and X-ray small-angle scattering experiments on complex liquid systems, including the use of isotopic labelling in neutron experiments.

The successful candidate will also have an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of surfactant self-assembly and phase equilibria. Experience with amphiphilic systems out of equilibrium, such as under shear flow, will be an advantage, as will be experience with other characterisation techniques such as optical microscopy, NMR, thermal analysis, and vibrational or electronic spectroscopy.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work cooperatively with members of the research group of Prof. Warr and his collaborators including at the University of Western Australia, and instrument scientists at neutron and x-ray facilities
• take responsibility for progressing experimental research into self-assembly of surface-active ionic liquids under shear
• jointly supervise junior members of the research group
• present your work in various forms including preparing manuscript drafts for publication.

About you

• a PhD in Chemistry or a relevant field
• an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of surfactant self-assembly and phase equilibria
• experience with design, execution and analysis of neutron and X-ray small-angle scattering experiments on complex liquid systems, including the use of isotopic labelling, and with amphiphilic systems out of equilibrium, such as under shear flow
• demonstrated experience with other characterisation techniques such as optical microscopy, NMR, thermal analysis, and vibrational or electronic spectroscopy.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

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How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Feain and Liam Newson, Recruitment Operations at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 22 July 2026 11:59 PM