Research Fellow - (Photo) electrochemical catalysis

Research Fellow - (Photo) electrochemical catalysis

Location: Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University · Type: Full time · Posted: 2026-09-16 · Closes: 2026-10-01 · Reference: R000024515

Advance photoelectrochemical catalysis for sunlight-driven green fuels — from catalyst design to working prototype.

· Salary package: $112,741 per annum (Level A.6, PhD awarded rate) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
· Full-time, fixed term 12-month appointment
· Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research group at Macquarie University focused on green hydrogen, electrocatalysis and sunlight-driven photoelectrochemical fuel production.

The group has established an advanced research platform for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical energy conversion, including electrochemical workstations, a solar simulator, an Incident Photon-to-Current Efficiency (IPCE) measurement system and a customised roll-to-roll magnetron sputtering facility. Researchers also have access to advanced characterisation capabilities and external synchrotron and photovoltaic facilities through national and industry collaborators.

Current research directions include AI- and data-driven discovery of multielement catalysts, amorphous catalyst structure–activity relationships, water and seawater electrolysis, and integrated solar-to-fuel systems.

The Role
Working closely with Dr Doudou Zhang, Professor Vladimir Strezov and a growing network of national, international and industry collaborators, the Research Fellow will develop next-generation catalysts and integrated devices for renewable-fuel production.

This position is particularly suited to an emerging researcher seeking to build a strong independent research profile through high-quality publications, new research concepts, competitive grant applications, HDR supervision, and industry and international collaboration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, synthesise and optimise electrocatalysts and photoelectrochemical materials for hydrogen and sustainable fuel production.

• Conduct electrochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements, including CV, LSV, EIS, stability testing, product analysis and solar-to-fuel/device performance evaluation.

• Fabricate and optimise catalyst electrodes and devices, with opportunities to use scalable roll-to-roll magnetron sputtering fabrication.

• Undertake advanced materials characterisation and collaborate with national and international partners on specialised in-situ/operando and synchrotron characterisation.

• Analyse and interpret experimental data, establish composition–structure–property relationships, and contribute to mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes.

• Prepare high-quality journal publications, technical reports and conference presentations, and communicate research outcomes to academic and industry partners.

• Contribute to competitive research grant applications and the development of new collaborative research projects.

• Support and co-supervise HDR and undergraduate research students, providing guidance on experimental design, laboratory practice, data analysis and scientific writing.

• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the safe and effective operation of laboratory facilities.

• Engage with external research institutions and industry partners and contribute to the translation and scale-up of promising renewable-energy technologies.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.

Within the faculty, the School of Engineering brings together researchers and educators across electronics, mechanical and mechatronic, civil, software and sustainable energy engineering. Our work is applied and outward facing, with active partnerships across industry, government and the research sector, and access to well-equipped fabrication, electrochemistry and materials characterisation facilities. This role sits within our energy and materials research activity, alongside colleagues working on renewable energy systems, advanced materials and device engineering, and contributes to government-funded programs including those coordinated through ARENA. You will be part of a research community that values careful experimental work, open exchange of ideas and research that reaches beyond the university.

About you (Selection Criteria)

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

• Demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas, including electrocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, water electrolysis, green hydrogen, solar fuels, or electrochemical energy conversion.

• Strong hands-on experimental skills in electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical characterisation, including techniques such as CV, LSV, EIS, Tafel analysis, stability testing, IPCE, and solar-simulator measurements.

• Experience in the synthesis and optimisation of catalysts, functional materials, electrodes, or photoelectrodes, with the ability to independently design and conduct experiments.

• Experience with relevant materials characterisation techniques, such as XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, Raman, spectroscopy, or related methods, and the ability to interpret structure–property–performance relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex experimental data, troubleshoot research problems, maintain high-quality research records, and work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• A strong research track record relative to opportunity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other relevant research outputs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts, technical reports and research presentations.

• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, research integrity, collegiality and an inclusive research environment.

*This position requires a criminal history and qualifications check.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience meets the selection criteria (above).

Role Enquiries: Dr. Doudou Zhang at [email protected] .

Applications Close: Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

*** We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

Please note: Candidates must have valid Australian work rights for the duration of the appointment.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Pre-Employment Checks 

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. 

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 

Why Join Us?

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

Our prime location is just a short walk from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Enjoy the benefits of working at a campus that offers:

• 17% Superannuation

• Subsidised onsite parking options

• Flexible working options

• Training and professional development

• Onsite childcare facilities

• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)

• Onsite vacation care

• Employee Assistance Program

• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre

• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

30/09/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.