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

About the College of Science and Engineering

At the College of Science and Engineering we believe in the power of science and engineering to solve real world problems. Our vision is to provide internationally recognised science and engineering education programs that are accessible, student centred, innovative and impactful. As well as being globally recognised for our research to advance science and engineering by creating new technologies that make our world more connected, secure, healthy, and sustainable. We seek to understand the past, but also to create the world of the future. Our College is an exciting place to research, study, and work, supported by best practice teaching methods, practical work-related learning, and advanced facilities.

Why Flinders University?

At Flinders University, we embrace and celebrate diversity and are committed to achieving gender equality in employment by identifying and removing any discriminatory employment barriers and taking action to promote gender equality in the workplace. We have been awarded Institutional Bronze Accreditation in the SAGE Athena SWAN program, recognising the University’s ongoing efforts towards achieving gender equity.

Ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders? 

• Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Ninety per cent of Flinders research has been ranked at ‘world standard or above’ by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Wide range of professional development activities, funds and services, such as Flinders University’s Researcher Development and Leadership Programs.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

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.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted**.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

28 Apr 2026

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.