Research Associate - Chemistry

UNSW is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities with a vibrant campus life, strong sense of community and inclusion.

This role is located in Sydney, Australia.

The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2,000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four undergraduate programmes leading to majors in chemistry. The department operates five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

• Salary: $113,000 – $121,000 plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full‑time (35 hours per week)

The role of Research Associate reports to Professor Richard Tilley and has no direct reports.

• Design and conduct the analytical chemistry of polymer‑coated nanoparticles for diagnostics using MRI, magnetic particle imaging, and therapy (including targeting molecules, drug delivery, and radiotherapy).
• Characterise and synthesise polymer‑coated magnetic nanoparticles, and separate degradation bioproducts and reaction products from biological fluids by chromatography.
• Conduct research into the characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles, including surface analysis, modification, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements.
• Write and maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments.
• Deliver experiments on time and provide analysis of results.
• Analyse and write results in a format suitable for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals and progress reporting to other researchers and industry partners.
• Assist with the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners.
• Assist in coordinating research activities and contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones.
• Present experimental results at national and international conferences.
• Assist in the training of PhD and honours students.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action, our behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• 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 the health and safety of yourself or others.

Selection Criteria:

• A PhD specialising in analytical chemistry or chemical synthesis of polymers and nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated ability to characterize polymers and nanoparticles and by‑products.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis.
• Previous experience in a research environment and in training PhD and honours students.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• 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 and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Richard Tilley
E: justin.gooding.au

Applications close:
January 30th, 2025

Find out more about working at UNSW w.edu.au.

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.