Postdoctoral Fellow in Electrocatalysts and Membranes for Electrolysers and Fuel Cells, UNSW Sydney (Zhao Group)
Job Description
UNSW Sydney’s School of Chemistry is hiring a postdoc in electrocatalysts and ion-exchange membranes for electrolysers and fuel cells. You will make new materials and test them in working devices. The post pays A$118K to A$126K a year plus 17% superannuation. Apply by 5 November 2026.
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, full time, 12 months (Job no 543569)
- Where: School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Reports to: Professor Chuan Zhao and Dr Quentin Meyer
- Pay: A$118K to A$126K a year, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
- Hours: 35 a week; extension possible based on performance and funding
- Apply: 5 November 2026 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
What the UNSW electrocatalysis postdoc involves
- Develop new electrocatalysts and ion-exchange membranes for electrolysers and fuel cells
- Synthesise and prototype materials, and run scaled-up demonstrations
- Test efficiency and durability, and relate them to device performance and life-cycle cost
- Build electrochemical devices from your results
- Write papers and help share the results
- Apply for grants and fellowships with your supervisor’s support
- Help supervise students and run the lab, including instrument upkeep
Why this role matters
Cheap, long-lasting electrolysers are key to green hydrogen. Better catalysts and membranes cut both cost and energy loss. This post covers the whole chain, from new material to working device. That mix is valued in both universities and the hydrogen industry.
What UNSW is looking for
- A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science
- Research experience in electrocatalysis and/or ion-exchange membranes, material synthesis, device assembly and characterisation
- Experience running a research project and coordinating a large team
- Papers in strong journals and conference talks
- Experience supervising students, and good communication skills
Nice to have
- DFT calculations (preferred; the ad says they are optional)
Pay and location
The advertised pay is A$118K to A$126K a year, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading. The contract is fixed-term for 12 months, full time at 35 hours a week. An extension is possible based on performance and funding. The ad states no work-rights limit and does not mention visa sponsorship either way. Ask UNSW about visas before you plan a move.
How to apply
Apply through the official UNSW page. The closing date is 5 November 2026 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time). Use the UNSW online application form. Address each selection criterion in turn. A position description is linked from the ad. Applications sent to the contact email are not accepted.
See all our postdoc jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales)
Official advertisement: careers.pageuppeople.com
How to prepare for this application
- Read recent papers from the Zhao group on electrolysers and catalysts
- Write a short answer to each selection criterion, with one real example each
- Show device data: polarisation curves, durability runs, and how you checked them
- Mention any team or student supervision you have done
- If you know DFT, add a line on what you have modelled
About UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney was founded in 1949. It is one of Australia's Group of Eight research universities, with its main campus in Kensington, Sydney.
