Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrocatalysis

·       Full time, fixed term for 2 years 

·       Use your expertise in the synthesis of functional materials and their application in electrocatalytic chemical conversion

·       Base Salary $113,634 - $117,936 + 17% superannuation 

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, established in 1946, offered the first university-level chemical engineering program in Australia. The School is committed to teaching excellence and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by employers in Australia and overseas. The School is research-intensive and considered a world leader in many cutting edge areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake computational research in electrocatalysis to contribute to the externally funded GETCO2 projects and collaborate with experimental researchers.

 Your key responsibilities will be to:

• perform first-principles/DFT studies of electrocatalytic reactions, catalyst surfaces and interfaces, reaction mechanisms, activity and selectivity
• develop reproducible atomistic simulation and high-throughput workflows using Python, ASE and relevant DFT software
• analyse electrochemical free-energy landscapes and connect elementary-step energetics to catalytic performance
• apply machine-learning interatomic potentials and microkinetic models where appropriate
• collaborate with experimental researchers, publish and present research outcomes, and contribute to student mentoring and group activities.

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 in Electrocatalysis who has:

• a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related discipline, completed by the start date
• deep understanding of electrochemistry/electrocatalysis and interfacial reaction mechanisms
• demonstrated proficiency in DFT and at least one major electronic-structure package (for example VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, CP2K, GPAW or equivalent)
• strong Python, ASE, Linux/HPC, data-analysis and reproducible-workflow skills
• strong research publication, communication and collaboration record appropriate to career stage.

The following experience will be highly regarded:

• experience with machine-learning interatomic potentials (such as MACE, NequIP, GAP, DeePMD or similar)
• experience with microkinetic modelling (such as CatMAP or custom Python implementations)
• experience with constant-potential simulations, explicit-solvent methods, ab initio molecular dynamics or electrochemical-interface modelling.

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 support filling out this application, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Consultants at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au