Full time, 2 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Chemistry
Exciting opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry with DuluxGroup Australia
Base Salary, level A/B $113,400 - $121,054 p.a + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Chemistry is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloidal Science to work on a project funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project, in collaboration with industry partner DuluxGroup Australia, on nanostructured polymeric particles as paint additives.
You will work under the mentorship of Prof Chiara Neto to achieve controlled assembly of polymer particles, which should lead to paint films that are high-performing, durable, and with long-lasting colour. The project team involves academics expert in functional coatings (Prof Neto), emulsion polymerisation (Dr Nguyen) and in self-assembly and scattering (Prof Warr).
Your key responsibilities will be to:
achieve controlled assembly of polymer nanoparticles
characterise materials properties of the produced polymer films
conduct literature reviews, present results to partners and write scientific manuscripts
co-supervise research students in the group
assist in lab management.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:
a PhD degree in physical or polymer chemistry, interfacial physics, or mechanical engineering;
background in colloidal self-assembly;
independence in conducting high quality research;
proven problem-solving skills;
a strong track record in research publication;
desirable: experience in working on structural colour, and in international settings.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]
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Applications Close
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:59 PM
