CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Polymer Science - [Archived Advertisement]

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in chemistry, materials or chemical engineering?
• Help redesign tomorrow's plastics to be 'recyclable-by-design'
• Join CSIRO's Manufacturing team for this exciting postdoctoral fellowship

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

Recycling of polymers is of concern from an environmental, social and economic standpoint. Thermoset based coatings, composites and adhesives are used for applications which require advanced mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. The permanent covalent bonds in cross-linked thermoset polymers prevents them from being reprocessed in the melt state and consequently they are not easily recyclable. This postdoctoral research project will redesign thermosets to comprise with recyclable or recoverable bonds, to redesign tomorrow’s plastics to be ‘recyclable-by-design’.

The CERC Fellow will work with a multidisciplinary team of polymer chemists, engineers and material scientists and contribute towards the reduction of polymer waste.

Your duties will include:

• Undertaking experimental work on the design and synthesis of novel thermoset polymers. These polymers will be designed with the ability to be reprocessed or recycled. Chemistries may include functionalities such as dynamic covalent bonds, or supramolecular chemistries.
• Undertaking characterisation and structure-property investigations of the synthesised polymer and chemistries.
• Undertaking regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.
• Producing high quality scientific and/or engineering papers suitable for publication in quality journals, for client reports and granting of patents.
• Preparing appropriate conference papers and presenting those at conferences as agreed with your supervisor.

Location: Clayton, Victoria
Salary: AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 86051

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as chemistry, materials or chemical engineering. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• A sound working knowledge and hands-on familiarity with the design and implementation of the techniques of organic and polymer synthesis.
• Experience with characterisation techniques used in the polymers and chemistry industry. For example, but not limited to, NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy, Raman, UV, ELS, GPC, HPLC, GC.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by 31 January 2023.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

31 August 2022, 11:00pm AEST