(Level A) $78,554 - $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

(Level B) $111,031 - $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

0.8FTE Part Time – 1.0FTE Full Time | 2 x Fixed Term Opportunities
2 years with possibility for a further extension

This is an exciting opportunity for 2 x Postdoctoral and 7 x PhD scholarships to be part of a new global centre that will focus on perfecting hydrogen production technology – a key driver for achieving net-zero emissions targets.

The Global Hydrogen Production Technologies (HyPT) Center will focus on developing large-scale net-zero hydrogen production methods. The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and CSIRO represent Australia in this international collaboration, working with partners from the US, Canada, the UK, Egypt, and Germany. The Australian research groups will focus on two innovative technologies: methane pyrolysis with valuable solid carbon co-products, and solar-driven water splitting. Two cross-cutting themes on policies and markets, and water resources and treatment are also supported.

The Global HyPT Centre will establish an international partnership of 34 experts from 19 institutions in six countries to formulate a pathway to low-cost large-scale net-zero hydrogen production from a platform of complementary technologies.

The University of Adelaide supports flexible work arrangements which means part-time hours from 0.8FTE may be considered for these roles.

Post-doctoral position 1: Hydrogen from photocatalytic water-splitting.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD degree in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or related field.
• Expertise in the synthesis of photocatalyst materials and their testing.
• Knowledge and experience in modern materials characterisation methodologies, such as spectroscopy and electron microscopy.
• Excellent teamwork that is suitable for a research group that includes a mixture of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs and senior academic staff, under the direction of a supervisor.
• Excellent written (e.g. technical reports and scientific journal publications) and oral communication skills.
• Excellent track record in scientific journal publications.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research and a commitment to interdisciplinary research (Level B).

Expertise in material characterisation using surface science techniques such as XPS, ion scattering spectroscopy and related techniques and/or experience in the synthesis of ligand protected cluster is desired however not essential.

 
Post-doctoral position 2: Hydrogen from methane pyrolysis.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake experiments in thermal, non-reacting or reacting single-phase and multi-phase flows using advanced experimental techniques, including optical / laser diagnosing methods.
• Demonstrated ability to design and commission lab-scale experimental reactors or isothermal simulators.
• Knowledge and experience in modern materials characterisation methodologies, such as spectroscopy, SEM/TEM and XPS.
• Excellent teamwork that is suitable for a research group that includes a mixture of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs and senior academic staff, under the direction of a supervisor.
• Excellent written (e.g., technical reports and scientific journal publications) and oral communication skills in the field of thermal fluids.
• Excellent track record in scientific journal publications
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research and a commitment to interdisciplinary research (Level B).

Expertise in material characterisation or expertise in optical/laser diagnostics applied to turbulent mixing or reacting flows, such as particle image velocimetry, laser induced incandescence and two-line thermometry is desired however not essential.

Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

7 PhD scholarships are available for projects based on (i) methane pyrolysis, (ii) solar-driven water splitting, (iii) policies and markets, and (iv) water resources and treatment.

PhD Scholarships are available for this project. To find out more and apply, click the link below:

University of Adelaide https://scholarships.adelaide.edu.au/Scholarships/postgraduate-research/faculty-of-sciences-engineering-and-technology-set/phd-13 

Flinders https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/phd-scholarships-for-the-global-hydrogen-production-hypt-centre,nj 

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 28 April 2025

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Prof. Greg Metha
The School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
E: greg.metha@adelaide.edu.au

For general information please contact:

Victoria Edwards
HyPT Centre Administrator
The School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
E: cet@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

Download the Position Description Apply now