Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer in Methane Pyrolysis Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to join our team investigating methane pyrolysis using molten salt systems for low-emission hydrogen production. This project aims to develop and optimise new catalysts, as well as characterise the associated carbon by-products. You will collaborate with other universities and industrial partners to facilitate a step-up in the technology readiness level from 4 to 5.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: This role focuses on developing and operating lab-scale molten salt pyrolysis reactors, studying reaction behaviour, and assessing molten salt performance. It involves process modeling, technoeconomic analysis, and collaboration with industry and academic partners. The position supports knowledge transfer, commercialisation, and funding development while applying best-practice research methods.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervising Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supporting their development through effective feedback, coaching, and guidance. It also includes managing research support staff in line with university policies, fostering professional growth, and addressing conflicts or grievances promptly and appropriately.

• Citizenship: Demonstrating UQ values through collaboration, supporting team operations, contributing to service and administrative duties, and developing external partnerships with industry, government, and the community.

• Teaching: Where required, participate in undergraduate or postgraduate teaching.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ: As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in chemical engineering or chemistry.

• Demonstrated experimental experience in high-temperature reaction systems or pyrolysis.

• Strong experimental skills, including reactor design and analytical techniques.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc.

Work Rights: You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Simon Smart via s.smart@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply? We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information: UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close on Monday, 27 October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57062)