UNSW
Research Associate - Chemistry

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
This Job is based in Australia
Research Associate - Chemistry
Apply now Job no: 541074
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate
One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four different undergraduate programs leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.
The Research Associate will focus on understanding the relationship between atomically precise active sites and electro catalysis performance. There is an emphasis on fundamental electrochemical measurements in electrocatalysis for complex reactions such as nitrate reduction, CO2 reduction and carbon-carbon coupling with a need for synthesizing new materials that will be characterised using transmission electron microscopy. The position relates to an ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation (COE-CSI) on carbon materials for electrocatalysis within the Smart Materials and Surfaces research group jointly led by Prof Richard Tilley and Prof Justin Gooding in the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science.
About The Role
$113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading Fixed Term – 12 months Full-time (35 hours per week)
The role reports to Professor Richard Tilley and has no direct reports.
Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include
Conduct research in the area of electrochemistry and electrocatalysis Perform and supervise experiments in electrochemical evaluation of catalytic materials. Synthesis of metal nanoparticle and single atom catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy characterization of samples. Write and maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments conducted. Successfully complete experiments and on-time provision of analysis on results. Analyse and write results of experiments 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. Contribute to the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners as appropriate Assist with the coordination of research activities and actively contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones. Present results of experiments at national and international conferences. Assist in the training of PhD and honours students. 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About The Successful Applicant
(Selection Criteria)
To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have
A PhD specialising in electrochemistry. Demonstrated ability to develop electrochemical procedures for materials characterisation. Extensive experience in performing electrochemical measurements. 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 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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
Applications close: July 14th, 2026
Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.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.
Position Description
Advertised: 23 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 14 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills