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The Opportunity

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow. You will contribute to UNSW’s research efforts in electrified low-carbon fuel production.

This position contributes towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research. UNSW and its industrial partners are developing electrified low-carbon biofuel production techniques aimed at revolutionizing the renewable fuel industry. This is a fast-paced, hands-on industrial project seeking to commercialize technology and reach market. A talented and motivated post-doctoral fellow (engineer/research assistant) is to be recruited to help optimize the technology.

The role of Post-Doctoral Fellow reports to Dr Rob Patterson and has no direct reports.

• Level A, Salary – AUD $113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full Time (35-hours a week)
• Fixed-term contract – 1 year
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering is internationally recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy. The PERC solar cell was first invented at UNSW in our labs in 1983 and today powers more than 85% of all new solar panel modules all over the world. SPREE’s work and people have changed the face of sustainable energy on the global stage, and we continue to be at the forefront of leading-edge research and development in the field of renewable technology as our economies transition away from fossil fuels. For more information, please see the following link: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/photovoltaic-and-renewable-energy-engineering

Skills & Experience:

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

• A PhD in chemical engineering, applied electrochemistry, biochemistry or a closely related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a 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.
• Experience with electrochemical flow cells (e.g. fuel cells or hydrogen electrolysers) 
• Experience with catalytic processes and electrocatalysis
• Experience performing and interpret electrochemical measurements (LSV, CV, chronoamperometry, etc) using a potentiostat
• The ability to identify and quantify organic fuel products and fuel composition using appropriate techniques (e.g. GC-MS, NMR, FTIR, HPLC, etc)
• Familiarity with other fuel property testing techniques (density, viscosity, vapor pressure, etc)
• Experience with scalable fuel separation and purification techniques.
• Familiarity with commercialization processes and start up companies is considered an asset.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

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

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. Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 16^th October 2025

Contact:

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: 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.