Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer in Electrochemical Recovery

About This Opportunity

This AEA Ignite project requires a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Research Officer in Electrochemical Recovery to conduct research on lithium-ion battery waste, including metal recovery, system operation, materials characterisation, and research outputs, ensuring project goals are met on time and within budget.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Conduct high-quality research on lithium-ion battery waste, including compositional screening and experimental recovery processes. Operate specialised electrochemical and crystallisation systems, and contribute to reports, publications, and research dissemination.
• Teaching: Contribute to teaching support as required.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Collaborate with researchers and supervisors to deliver projects, support and mentor students, and foster a positive, team-oriented research environment.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through collaboration, active participation, and self-leadership. Support team operations, contribute to service and administrative roles, and build external partnerships with industry, government, and the community.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completion of a PhD, or submission of a PhD thesis with the expectation of award within a reasonable timeframe, in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in separation processes, electrocatalysis, or related research areas.
• Experience in advanced materials characterisation techniques, such as XRD, XPS, SEM/EDX, TEM/EDX, EPR, IR, TGA, and BET.
• Experience with Synchrotron-based characterisation techniques, especially PD and XAS, is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Evidence of research outputs, including publications in reputable refereed journals, is desirable.
• Ability to actively engage and communicate effectively with industry partners to support project objectives.

In support of our Indigenous employment strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We value lived experience, community connection and diverse career pathways.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Work Rights?

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Haijiao Lu via haijiao.lu@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63652).