University of Newcastle Hiring for Research Associate – Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials Job at Newcastle Full Time

• Full-time, Fixed-term opportunity, based at the Callaghan Campus
• Academic Level A
• Conduct research on the synthesis of nanomaterials

Our vision to become a world-leading university for our regions will take passion and perseverance. We can’t do it without you.

We are looking for people to join our university – to bring their exceptional teaching to our region, and to take their research impact to the world with us.

As one of the top 200 universities in the world and number one university in the world for partnering for a sustainable future, we are proud educators grounded by the needs of our community. We are driven by our inclusive focus and are proud of our five-star rating for social equity.

Be part of something bigger

Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) is a newly established centre at the University of Newcastle, headed by Prof. Ajayan Vinu, who is a globally acclaimed material scientist and Australia’s leading nanotechnologist. GICAN would be based out at the College of Engineering Science and Environment and the University’s flagship institute, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), at the Callaghan campus. This centre is aimed to establish a global research environment with a high standard and novel ideas for developing excellent technologies for the betterment of society. This unique centre is also aimed to develop not only innovative materials by using nanotechnology but also their applications in various fields, including carbon capture and conversion, solar and fuel cells, catalysis, biotechnology, drug delivery, water treatment, and sensors. One of the highlights of the centre is the vibrant research groups which are composed of frontline researchers from all over the world who will be attracted to work in an international atmosphere and are expected to produce excellent research outcomes in different areas of research, including nanotechnology, catalysis, biotechnology and solar cells.

GICAN’s primary focus would be on the development of economically sustainable and environmentally friendly nanomaterials such as nanoporous metal oxides, nanoporous carbons, nitrides, oxides, biochars, fullerenes, polymers, silicas and aluminosilicates. These materials have excellent physicochemical properties and unique functionalities, which will be utilised for various applications, including CO2 capture and conversion, energy storage and conversion, sensing, water splitting, solar cell development, fine chemical synthesis via heterogeneous catalysis, water treatment and drug delivery.

The Role

In this role you will:

• Develop and perform the research program in the fabrication of nanomaterials such as polymeric, metallic, metal oxide nanostructures.
• Applications of these materials on nitrogen reduction, ammonia synthesis via electrochemical or photochemical method.
• Characterization of the synthesized materials by different methods
• Conduct research projects and publish research/review papers in international journals
• Work closely with colleagues at GICAN and supervise postgraduates for the success of their research projects in the development of joint research projects.
• Undertake supervision of students at the undergraduate/honours, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
• Report on research methods and outcomes through conference presentations, and preparation of reports and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed outlets.
• Apply for DECRA or Future fellowship within two years of their employment.
• Generate research income through industry projects or consultancies or Arc projects
• Interact and liaise with colleagues within the project team and industry partners as required by the project being undertaken

This 3-year, fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

How will you become part of our community?

You will have:

• A PhD in the field of Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Knowledge in materials science and ability in the synthesis of nanoparticles, and characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials by different methods. Candidate with experience in ammonia synthesis or nitrogen reduction via electrochemical or photochemical approach is preferred.
• An understanding of the design of nanomaterials for electrochemical and photochemical applications
• Demonstrated recent experience in writing scientific articles.
• The ability to build positive relationships with University academic and professional staff.

How will we support you?

The remuneration for this position is from $91,350 + 17% superannuation.

The University is committed to being a leader in family-friendly working environments.

For information on our employee benefits (such as flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging) please visit here.

Let’s be part of something bigger together.

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University’s website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• A Cover Letter; outlining your interest in the role, including contact details for a minimum of two relevant referees.
• A statement addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as provided in the Position Description attached below (4 pages max)
• Your CV, which should be a maximum of five pages and be succinct and discipline appropriate.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

For additional information on the position contact Associate Professor Jiabao Yi on 02 4926 1625 or via email Jiabao.yi@newcastle.edu.au.

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Tuesday 6 December 2022 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you