(Level A) $98,574 - $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed-term, full-time position available for 2 years. 

We are seeking an ARC Grant Funded Researcher to focus on the computation of carbon based materials for clean energy conversion reactions.

This position is for a computational materials scientist/engineer to perform theoretical investigations and computational design of carbon-based materials for seawater splitting and C–N coupling reactions. Work includes computational modeling of carbon-based materials, conducting simulations to understand reaction mechanisms, and developing and applying machine learning methods to accelerate materials discovery and optimization.

The position is funded by ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science & Innovation. The successful applicants will be working in the Centre for Materials in Energy and Catalysis, with a diverse range of scientists and engineers with expertise in materials science and engineering for energy-related applications. The research will be interdisciplinary and have a strong fundamental component with cutting-edge materials computation and machine learning. These positions can offer you an exceptional opportunity to work closely with key research participants around the world.

To be successful you will need:

• A recent PhD degree or close to completion (within 6 months) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in computational materials science/engineering with application to clean energy conversion reactions. Examples of relevant reactions include oxygen reduction reaction, (sea)water splitting, CO2 reduction reaction, N2 reduction reaction, and C-N coupling.
• Experience in applying machine learning methods to support materials computations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
• Strong teamwork skills that is suitable for a research centre that includes a mixture of discipline expertise, under the direction of a supervisor.

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

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - 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, Sunday, 1st of June 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:

Yan Jiao

Professor, School of Chemical Engineering

P: +61 (8) 831 30753

E: yan.jiao@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below

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