Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow – UNSW Faculty of Engineering (School of Chemical Engin[...]

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, you will work on PET‑RAFT (Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer Reversible Addition‑Fragmentation Chain Transfer) polymerization to synthesize 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, you are expected to leverage machine‑learning approaches for the optimization of polymer properties and degradation profiles. The position is based in Australia.

Responsibilities

You 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, and 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. You 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.

Qualifications

• A PhD (or soon to be awarded) in materials science or chemistry, with expertise in controlled/living radical polymerization (specifically, RAFT, ATRP, NMP).
• Demonstrated expertise in the preparation of functional polymers using controlled/living radical polymerization (preferably, photo‑RAFT). Experience with PET‑RAFT polymerization and the use of lipoic acid or its derivatives 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.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, photochemistry, and synthesis of functional monomer, with drug delivery applications and biopolymer design advantageous. Familiarity with machine‑learning methods for polymer optimization desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

Job Details

• 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

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.