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The School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science (BABS) teaches undergraduates, mentors postgraduate research students and conducts research in the disciplines of biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology and immunology.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will use engineered proteins for the synthesis and characterisation of rare-earth element nanoparticles for magnetic device applications. The Post-doctoral Fellow will work within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team that consists of protein engineers, materials scientists, and physicists to understand how biotic/abiotic interactions can be manipulated to control rare-earth element material structures and subsequent magnetic properties.
The project will use proteins as scaffolds to guide the biomineralisation of rare-earth elements into defined nanoparticles and subsequently use a range of biochemical, spectroscopic, microscopic, and materials characterisation techniques to determine the structure and properties of the resulting materials. Experience with nanoparticle synthesis and materials characterisation techniques such as electron microscopy, elemental analysis, diffraction, or surface/spectroscopic characterisation will be advantageous to the project goals.
THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
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 Associate Professor Dominic Glover and has no direct reports.
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
- Conduct research to use protein nanostructures as templates for rare-earth element biomineralisation.
- Contribute intellectual input and creative ideas for research directions.
- Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
- Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
- Assist with the supervision of research students (honours or postgraduate) where required.
- Contribute to the writing of scientific papers for international journal publication.
- Maintenance of online lab notes to enable transparent and reproducible research.
- Interact with international research collaborators.
- Assist in the day-to-day operations of the group, including assistance with purchasing, data management, compliance with health and safety guidelines and other regulatory requirements.
- Attend meetings associated with research or the work of the laboratory and any other research-related duties as directed by the supervisor.
- 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 on the health and safety of yourself or others.
About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will have:
- PhD in Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, Synthetic Biology, or a similar field.
- Demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following techniques for the characterisation of nanomaterials: TEM/STEM-EDS, SEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR/Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, or ICP-MS/OES analysis.
- Experience with protein engineering or characterisation is favourable but not required.
- Demonstrated track record of publications relative to opportunity.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students in multiple formats.
- 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 within the position description in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact:
Dominic Glover
E: d.glover@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: July 8th, 2026
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).
