Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Melbourne

Advance catalyst technologies and help shape the future of carbon dioxide conversion. Full-time, fixed-term position at our Hawthorn campus. Academic Level A salary + 17% super and staff benefits.

About the Role

Want to apply your research expertise to one of the big challenges in sustainable technology? Join the GETCO2 Centre of Excellence and contribute to innovative research developing catalyst technologies for carbon dioxide conversion. Working across a network of partner universities and ANSTO, you’ll contribute to collaborative research within the Centre’s Computation and Characterisation Theme. Your work will focus on developing and applying advanced in situ and operando techniques to investigate catalytic processes, including designing and optimising electrochemical cells for catalyst characterisation and electrolyser research.

You’ll plan and conduct experiments, analyse complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental setups and contribute to research publications, conference presentations and Centre reporting. You’ll also collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions, build connections within the Victorian research community and help support students and early-career researchers across the Centre’s network. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research at the intersection of catalysis, electrochemistry and materials characterisation, while helping advance technologies with the potential to support a more sustainable future.

About You

You’re a curious and resourceful researcher who enjoys solving complex experimental challenges and working with others to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. You’re comfortable taking ownership of your research while contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

• Strong experimental research skills in catalysis, electrochemistry, materials characterisation or a related field.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, including experience designing, developing and troubleshooting experimental setups, particularly in situ or operando systems.
• A solid research track record, with publications and conference presentations appropriate to your career stage.
• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to prepare research papers, manuscripts and technical reports.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines, institutions and research teams.
• Knowledge of chemistry and analytical techniques, including chemical handling, spectroscopy and analytical chemistry.
• Specialist expertise in at least one relevant area, such as electrochemistry, computational chemistry or spectroscopy.
• Experience with in situ or operando electrochemical cells, including their design and practical application.
• Scientific programming skills, with the ability to understand, modify and run Python code for scientific data analysis.
• Experience working within large collaborative research centres or cross-institutional research teams would be an advantage.

Qualifications

Completion of a bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant executive administration experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne's strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university - one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

Applications Close: Sunday 22 November 2026, at 11.00pm.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world. Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

Swinburne is proud to be recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees, students and communities can thrive. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact ***************@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to ***************@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes. As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.