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

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry or supramolecular chemistry?
• Bring your innovation and expertise to a role where you will contribute to sustainable and efficient future energy.
• Join the Future Science Platform team in this exciting 3-year postdoctoral opportunity!

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.

CSIRO has over 40 years of experience in the development and application of energy storage devices. We are now beginning to explore the next generation of energy storage devices as part of our recently launched Future Science Platform: Revolutionary Energy Storage Systems (RESS FSP).

We have an opportunity for a CERC Fellow to join our FSP team that is exploring several different aspects of bio-based nitrogen battery.  This project will involve the design of synthetic mimics of nitrogenase, which will form an integral component of this battery. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Dr Robert Chapman at the University of Newcastle to develop metallopolymers that are able to convert dinitrogen to ammonia.

The CERC Fellow will have demonstrated expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry and in supramolecular assembly. Experience working with enzymes, protein-polymer conjugates and in bioelectrochemistry would be advantageous.

Your duties will include:

• Developing new procedures and methodologies for encapsulating inorganic and bioinorganic catalysts.
• Synthesising of metal-binding chain transfer agents.
• Synthesising and characterisation of enzyme mimics by controlled radical polymerisation.
• Analysing of ammonia production in the developed catalysts.

Location: Black Mountain, ACT

Salary: AU$92k - AU$101k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 93085

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as polymer chemistry, organic chemistry or supramolecular chemistry. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in organic synthesis and preferably in RAFT polymerisation.
• Experience in the use of synthetic techniques to stabilise enzymes or proteins.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

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

Flexible Working Arrangements

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

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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

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

15 September 2023, 11:00pm AEST