• School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years
• Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to work between two teams with complementary expertise in (a) biomass conversion, and (b) the electrochemical conversion of CO2 and high-performance membrane materials.

Biomass-derived advanced materials will be of critical importance in the field of sustainable CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion. These materials encompass carbons, nanocellulose, nanocomposite membranes and catalyst support. However, to advance the performance of these materials, more specific green chemistry pre-treatments and scalable mechanical refining methods need to be developed. This project will explore the fundamentals of elegant sustainable chemistry pre-treatments (e.g. enzymatic, natural deep eutectic solvents (NDES)) as applied to various lignocellulose feedstocks, so that we can better understand and “tune” a vast array of materials structure-property-relationships useful in CO2 conversion.

More information about the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide can be found on the following website GETCO2.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research

• Develop a research program focused on exploring the environmental, social, and economic impacts of electrochemical CO2 conversion on process operation, facility integration, and net-zero emissions pathways.
• Produce quality research outputs by publishing or exhibiting in high-quality outlets, following discipline norms.
• Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues in developing joint research projects and funding applications.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer and commercialization of UQ intellectual property through translation to research end users.

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, ensuring personal effectiveness in supervision and researcher development.
• Manage research support staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle, in accordance with University policy and procedures.
• Address conflicts and grievances promptly, following University policies and procedures.

Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate citizenship behaviours aligned with UQ values, showing leadership through collaboration and active participation in key activities for the Centre of Excellence and School of Chemical Engineering.
• Provide support to academic positions and unit operations during team members' absences and contribute to internal service roles, decision-making, and relevant committees.
• Collaborate in external service activities and begin developing partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies, and the wider community.

Teaching

• Where undergraduate teaching is undertaken achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in the Chemical Engineering.
• An emerging profile in research in Chemical Engineering.
• Proven experience and expertise in CO2 capture, separation and/or electrochemical conversion.
• A keen interest in advanced biomass-derived materials and the development of novel biomass pre-treatment and refining approaches, as applied to new materials employed in CO2 conversion.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.
• A demonstrated willingness to learn new things and work across unfamiliar disciplinary boundaries.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, etc. 

Work Rights:

Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment.  

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We will support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package.?You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here. 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Darren Martin via darren.martin@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-43132).