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• Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term to April 2027 (35-hour week)
• Remuneration Level 9: $143,007 - $151,745 + 17% Superannuation 
• Location: Kensington, NSW (the successful candidate will be required to work on campus 3 days a week)

Why The Role Matters:

The Principal Research Process Engineer is key in the Particles and Catalysis Research Group and the School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW. The Principal Research Process Engineer will collaborate closely with a team of UNSW researchers and be responsible for leading and managing the effective design, development/build, commission, operation and maintenance of the School’s equipment and engineering system, which include the ‘Solar-harvesting systems’ for sustainable production of chemicals and renewable fuels, including but not limited to e-Methanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as well as working on renewable ammonia production project.

The work will include designing and commissioning electrolyser systems, such as electrodes fabrication, integrating various parts, process optimisation as well as integration of scaled-up electrolyser and prototype development; ensuring these meet the School’s and Research Group’s strategic and business requirements, and providing a safe operating environment for staff and students. The Principal Research Process Engineer’s remit covers a wide-ranging sphere of operations across several research facilities within the School of Chemical Engineering.

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

• Manage the effective design, development, implementation, maintenance, review, and operation of the groups and School’s complex equipment and systems.
• Take a leading role in continually updating equipment and systems in collaboration with associated staff to provide improved services for teaching and research, including, but not limited to, the operation of the Solar-harvesting integrated system and multiphase electrolyser system for renewable ammonia production
• Provide technical and managerial direction for process improvement on the existing photo-thermal-light-catalytic reactor system for CO2 reduction and the solar harvesting reactor system, including fabrication, commissioning, system upgrade testing, and optimisation (when required). 
• Provide technical and managerial direction for development of integrated scale-up multiphase electrolyser system for renewable ammonia production including fabrication, commissioning, system upgrade and optimisation (when required)
• Supervise, mentor and provide strategic training to students and staff within remit, including overseeing associated recruitment activity; consolidation of research training and providing strategic insight to the Director of PartCat Group and Head of School (when required)
• Provide strategic, technical advice to relevant stakeholders in the development and evaluation of research strategies, including but not limited to the assessment of the suitability of various CO2-rich feedstocks for carbon capture and utilisation integration with the existing engineering reactor systems to the Director of PartCat Group and Head of School and Academics
• Demonstrate high-level communications with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including building a network of industry contacts and utilising influential input with stakeholders in the carbon capture and utilisation landscape, including the direct air capture and conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, methane, methanol, sustainable aviation fuel and low carbon liquid fuels.
• Lead the development of systems, policies, procedures, guidelines, and related documentation relating to the safe use of Group/School research equipment/engineering system, overseeing implementation and ensuring compliance and best practice, including but not limited to implementation of good laboratory practice and high standards of experimental design including documentation and archiving in line with project requirements.
  
  

Skills and Experience: 

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering or related discipline, subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of laboratory equipment from a management and control perspective, including familiarity with laboratory infrastructure, equipment maintenance and operation.
• Demonstrated experience of designing, assembling and commissioning of prototype and scale-up system including the Balance of Plant (BOP)
• Proven advanced project management experience involving academics, researchers and students, with an in-depth understanding of the project life cycle and strategic development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Experience developing, implementing and managing Work Health & Safety and risk management systems and processes in a laboratory environment.
• Extensive experience in managing infrastructure and material resources, including the management of equipment, chemicals, specimens, etc.
• Proven experience in practical policy, planning, operation and maintenance of teaching and research laboratories.
• Demonstrated success in the dedication to continuous improvement through long-term planning and expansion of laboratory policy and facilities.
  
  

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
  
  

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application. Applications close Tuesday 1^st April 2025 by 11:30pm.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington, NSW.

Get in Touch:

Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Mandalena Hermawan at mandalena@unsw.edu.au

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

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.