Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

• Full time, fixed term opportunity for two years, located at the School of Chemistry, Camperdown Campus Sydney

• Opportunity to drive a high-impact research program using catalytic air-gap electrochemistry for nitrogen fixation

• Base Salary Level A, $109,263 - $121,054 p.a. + 17% superannuation (Compensation will be commensurate with relevant skills, experience, and qualifications) 

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a flagship project on Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation. This role sits at the intersection of breakthrough fundamental science and industrial electrification, working jointly with the HJ Jiang Group (led by Dr. Haihui Joy Jiang; www.hjj-group.com) and the MMY Group (led by Prof. Thomas Maschmeyer, Prof. Tony Masters, and Dr. Alex Yuen; www.mmy-group.com.au).

Funded by an ARC Discovery Project 2026-2028, this position focuses on "turning air and water into nitrogenous chemicals"— developing a sustainable, electrified alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. You will design hybrid catalyst systems (heterogeneous and homogeneous), engineer innovative electrochemical reactors, and pioneer radical reactions at the air-water interface to unlock high-voltage reaction pathways.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead a Flagship Project: Drive the design, execution, and optimization of plasma-electrochemistry systems, including reactor engineering and catalyst structural characterization.

• Advanced Mechanistic Study: Identify key reaction intermediates and establish rigorous structure-property correlations to understand catalytic pathways under high-voltage conditions.

• Systems Analysis: Perform energy efficiency calculations and scaling analysis to bridge the gap between lab-scale discovery and industrial application.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Assist in the supervision and career development of PhD and Honours students, fostering a collaborative laboratory culture.

• Strategic Communication: Lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts, grant applications, and international conference presentations.

• Collaboration Management: Coordinate administrative and technical workflows between the Jiang and MMY groups and manage external academic collaborations.

About you

We are looking for a courageous and creative researcher who thrives on interdisciplinary challenges. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.

• Deep Technical Expertise in electrocatalysis, materials characterization, and analytical chemistry (specifically chromatography and spectroscopy).

• Specialized Experience in electrochemical nitrogen fixation, radical-driven pathways, or air-gap/plasma electrochemistry. Strong preference for candidates with experience in organometallic and/or inorganic synthesis.

• Adaptability: A proven ability to master new, complex techniques such as high-voltage air-liquid interface reactions and plasma diagnostic tools.

• Operational Excellence: Strong skills in operating and maintaining sophisticated scientific instrumentation and managing laboratory safety/organization.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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, a list of publications outlining your contribution, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please be prepared to provide the details of three referees should your application progress to that stage of the process

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 Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close