Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering
Join a leading research team to advance sustainable electrochemical technologies through device development and process engineering.
Best for:Best for chemical or mechanical engineers with hands-on experience in electrolyser or fuel cell development.
Overview
The University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Electrochemical Engineering Lab within the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This role focuses on the development, evaluation, and improvement of electrochemical reactors for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical engineering by designing, assembling, and testing experimental systems. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to address challenges in device scale-up, performance optimization, and system integration.
What you'll do
- Design, assemble, and optimize electrochemical cell and reactor prototypes including electrodes and flow-field components.
- Develop and operate experimental test systems, integrating fluid-handling, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware.
- Conduct electrochemical experiments to evaluate performance, efficiency, and durability while identifying failure mechanisms.
- Apply chemical process engineering principles to perform material and energy balances and create process flow diagrams.
- Coordinate device scale-up and system integration, addressing challenges in heat and mass transfer and flow distribution.
- Translate concepts into CAD models and engineering drawings for component fabrication and procurement.
- Analyze experimental data, maintain rigorous research documentation, and prepare technical reports and publications.
- Collaborate with team members, support student mentoring, and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and IP protocols.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
Publications: Research achievements appropriate to career stage demonstrated through publications, patents, or technical reports.
- Hands-on experience with electrolysers or fuel cells including assembly and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in CAD software for designing electrochemical devices and experimental hardware.
- Capability in chemical process design, including material/energy balances and P&ID development.
- Strong understanding of electrochemical performance, transport processes, and durability testing.
- Ability to plan and deliver independent experimental research and resolve engineering problems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of research outputs.
- Must hold a PhD or be near completion.
- Must be eligible to work in Australia and pass pre-employment background checks.
- Must declare any history of investigation regarding sexual harm or gender-based violence.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-17
Submit your application including a cover letter, CV, and supporting documentation via the online portal. Current University of Sydney employees should apply through their Workday dashboard.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Supporting documentation
Contact
Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin· Recruitment Consultants
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.