Research Associate in Chemistry

Position Details

• Fixed term until 1 March 2027 | Full time
• Academic Level A | AU$88,842 - $107,666 pa | 17% super
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country / Australia
• View Position Description

About the Position:

Join a high-impact research project at the forefront of sustainable chemistry, focused on developing new technologies to recover gold from ore and electronic waste. As a Research Associate in Chemistry, you will work closely with leading researchers and industry partners to translate cutting-edge science into real-world environmental and commercial outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to build your research profile while contributing to innovative solutions in resource recovery and sustainability, supported by funding from Australia’s Economic Accelerator Ignite program. The successful candidate will work in the Chemical Synthesis Group, with dedicated mentorship from Dr Thomas Nicholls and Prof Justin Chalker.

In this position, you will:

• Assist in leading the research project, contributing to the successful delivery of project milestones and key performance indicators
• Plan and execute high-quality research, including experimental design, data generation, and critical review of relevant literature
• Produce high-quality research output, including publications, presentations, and contributions to grant activities
• Support the supervision of postgraduate research students

About You

You are an emerging researcher in chemistry with strong technical expertise and a collaborative mindset. You are motivated to contribute to innovative, applied research and have the ability to balance independent work with team-based project delivery.

You demonstrate:

• Completion of a PhD, or significant progress towards a PhD, in Chemistry or a related field such as materials science or engineering.
• Experience in synthetic chemistry, with expertise in areas such as polymer, inorganic, electrochemistry, photochemistry and/or organic chemistry
• Experience in chemical and material analysis, including characterisation of inorganic substances, organic molecules, polymers, and/or composites
• An emerging track record of research outputs, including publications and presentations

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit a CV and a three-page Suitability Statement addressing the key position capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, we strongly encourage you to please contact Dr Thomas Nicholls.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.