Postdoctoral Fellow - Chemistry

About The Role

The Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research.

Compensation & Terms

• $113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 1 year
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Dr. Ali Jalili and has no direct reports.

Specific Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g., surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Drive the silicosis breath test work end to end, from collecting samples to generating and interpreting MS data with the team.
• Develop and apply analytical workflows for high-throughput breath analysis, ensuring robust and reproducible data.
• Work closely with clinical and research partners to translate findings into practical screening approaches.
• Contribute to the day-to-day hands‑on lab‑based supervision and training of students in the Donald lab, supporting their development in experimental design, mass spectrometry and data analysis.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Plasma Science and Engineering, or a related discipline, and/or relevant equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience and commitment to staying up to date with developments in non-thermal plasma, plasma reactor systems, gas conversion, and ammonia-related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-quality research in plasma science and technology, including plasma-assisted gas conversion and/or ammonia synthesis, and to work independently with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering R&D projects involving collaboration between universities and industry, ideally in plasma technologies, gas conversion, ammonia, or related fields.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic, technical, and industry partners.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities, particularly in relation to high-voltage systems, gas handling, and reactor-based laboratory research, and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

EEO Statement

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.