Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow – UNSW Faculty of Engineering (School of Chemical Engineering)

The Opportunity:

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to developing sustainable polymers and materials via visible-light-driven processes. The core focus of this role is the design and synthesis of novel, recyclable polymeric materials using low energy photopolymerization. Specifically, the postdoc will work on PET-RAFT (Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) polymerization for the synthesis of degradable polymers intended for bio applications, with a focus on drug delivery systems. Lipoic acid and its derivatives will be employed as key monomers to enable degradability. In addition, the postdoc is expected to leverage machine learning approaches for the optimization of polymer properties and degradation profiles.

The successful candidate will lead pioneering research in controlled polymer synthesis, employing advanced techniques to create materials with tailored properties. Primary responsibilities include structural design and physicochemical characterization, as well as assisting in the supervision of PhD students. A central objective is ensuring that all developed materials are recyclable, strictly aligning the project with the principles of green chemistry and the circular economy. The postdoc will specifically focus on PET-RAFT polymerization to synthesize degradable polymeric materials for drug delivery applications, utilizing lipoic acid and its derivatives as degradable building blocks. The role also encompasses the application of machine learning tools to accelerate the optimization of polymer architectures and degradation behaviour.

• Salary, Level A - $91,381 - $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full Time
• Fixed-term contract – 12 months (potential for extension)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

This position is based within the School of Chemical Engineering that is well known in the industry as a top provider of quality education and cutting-edge research. We’re ranked 13th in the world and 1st in Australia by the NTU Ranking of Scientific Papers. Our aim is to deliver the best we possibly can to the future of Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and Food Science and Technology. Our passionate academics are eager to share their vast knowledge and experience with graduate students and we’re at the forefront of innovation and emerging technologies through several international research groups and centres. For further information about our school go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/chemical-engineering

Skills & Experience:

• A PhD (or soon to be awarded) in material science or chemistry, with expertise in controlled/living radical polymerization (specifically, Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerisation, Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization (NMP)).
• Demonstrated expertise in the preparation of functional polymers using controlled/living radical polymerization (preferably, photoRAFT). Experience with photoinduced electron/energy transfer – RAFT (PET-RAFT) polymerization and the use of lipoic acid or its derivatives or other monomers for the synthesis of degradable polymers is highly desirable.
• Experience in machine learning models for the optimization of polymers.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in polymer science and polymer characterization.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated previous research experience in polymer synthesis, photochemistry, and synthesis of functional monomer. Experience in drug delivery applications and biopolymer design is advantageous. Familiarity with machine learning methods for polymer optimization is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Pre-Employment Checks:

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

To Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday 21st May 2026