Research Associate - Chemistry

Research Associate – Chemistry (UNSW)

Location:

Sydney, Australia

SALARY: $113,000 – $121,000 (plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading)

Contract:

Fixed Term – 12 months, Full-time (35 hours per week)

The School of Chemistry at UNSW offers a range of undergraduate programs and laboratories. The Research Associate in Analytical Chemistry will focus on the analytical chemistry characterisation, synthesis, chemical modification and polymer coating of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostic and theranostic applications. The role is linked to the company Ferronova and is funded through an ARC ITTC within the Smart Materials and Surfaces research group and Electron Microscope Unit.

• Design and analytical chemistry of polymer‑coated nanoparticles for diagnostics using MRI, magnetic particle imaging and therapy using targeting molecules, drug delivery and radiotherapy.
• Characterisation and synthesis of polymer‑coated magnetic nanoparticles, and chromatography separation of degradation bioproducts and reaction products from biological fluids.
• Conduct research into characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles, including surface analysis, modification, TEM and magnetic measurements.
• Write and maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments.
• Successfully complete experiments and provide analysis of results on time.
• Analyse and write results of experiments in a format suitable for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to scientific papers and reports for international journals and progress reporting to researchers and industry partners.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners as appropriate.
• Assist coordination of research activities and contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones.
• Present results at national and international conferences.
• Assist in training PhD and honours students.
• Align with and actively demonstrate UNSW Values in Action:
  Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university.

• PhD specialising in analytical chemistry or chemical synthesis of polymers and nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated ability to characterise polymers and nanoparticles and bioproducts.
• Experience in materials synthesis.
• Experience in a research environment and in training PhD and Honours students.
• Ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Commitment to keeping up‑to‑date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations relevant to the role.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• Understanding and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, along with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to relevant training.

Applications close:
January 30th, 2025

Contact:
Richard Tilley – r.tilley.au

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.