Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering at University of Sydney – Australia

Summary

The University of Sydney's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 1.5 years, focusing on electrochemical technologies for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion. The role involves hands-on experimentation, device and process engineering, and contributing to scale-up and system integration. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant engineering or science discipline and have practical experience with electrolysers or fuel cells. The position offers a base salary of $113,634 – $125,896 plus 17% superannuation. The application deadline is October 19, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Position Type	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Discipline	Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry
Research Area	Electrochemical Engineering, sustainable chemical production, energy conversion
Degree Required	PhD degree
Experience	Hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells, device design, chemical process design, electrochemical characterisation, independent experimental research
Salary	$113,634 – $125,896 + 17% superannuation
Contract Duration	1.5 years
Deadline	2026-10-19
Required Documents	cover letter, CV, additional supporting documentation
Employer Address	University of Sydney, Sydney, Darlington, Australia
Employer Contact	Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Consultants, [email protected]

About the Project

The research program focuses on applied electrochemical technologies for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion. The successful candidate will contribute to developing, evaluating, and improving electrochemical reactors and their supporting systems. This involves combining hands-on experimentation with device and process engineering, with a particular interest in translating engineering concepts into working experimental systems for electrolysers or fuel cells. The project aims to advance sustainable technologies through practical device design, performance testing, process development, and contributions to scale-up and system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, assemble and improve electrochemical cells and reactor prototypes, including selection and integration of components.
• Develop, commission and operate experimental test systems, integrating electrochemical devices with fluid-handling equipment, instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Plan and conduct electrochemical experiments to evaluate performance, efficiency and durability, identify limitations and implement improvements.
• Apply chemical process engineering principles to develop process configurations, perform material and energy balances, prepare diagrams, and select equipment.
• Contribute to device scale-up and system integration, addressing practical challenges in flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, sealing, reproducibility and stable operation.
• Translate device concepts into CAD models and engineering drawings, and coordinate component fabrication, procurement and assembly.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, maintain reproducible research records and engineering documentation, and prepare technical reports and research publications.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and research partners, support student training and mentoring, and contribute to risk assessments, operating procedures and safe laboratory practices.

Required Skills

• PhD degree (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells, including device assembly, operation, performance testing and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to design electrochemical devices or associated experimental hardware, including the use of CAD software.
• Demonstrated capability in chemical process design for experimental or prototype systems, including material and energy balances, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and equipment selection.
• Strong understanding of electrochemical performance and relevant transport processes, with practical experience in electrochemical characterisation, performance evaluation and durability testing.
• Ability to plan and deliver experimental research independently, resolve practical engineering problems, critically analyse data and maintain accurate technical records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with research achievements appropriate to career stage.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, with a commitment to safe working practices, research integrity and responsible handling of confidential information and intellectual property.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for researchers with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells, including device assembly, operation, and testing. Strong skills in electrochemical device design, chemical process design, data analysis, and independent experimental research are essential. The role requires collaborative team players committed to safe working practices and research integrity.

Benefits

• 17% superannuation

About the Employer

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney was established in 1946 and offered the first university-level chemical engineering program in Australia. It is committed to teaching excellence and is research-intensive, recognized as a world leader in many cutting-edge areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and is an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this postdoctoral position?

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 1.5 years.

What is the base salary for this position?

The base salary is $113,634 – $125,896, plus 17% superannuation.

What degree is required for this role?

A PhD degree (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline is required.

What are the key research areas for this position?

The position focuses on electrochemical technologies for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion, specifically in electrochemical engineering.

What documents are required for the application?

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation.

Who can be contacted for a confidential discussion about the role?

Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Consultants, can be contacted at [email protected].