Research Fellow in Polymer Fabrication and Characterisation Full-time

Research Fellow In The Department Of Biomedical Engineering

As a Research Fellow in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, you'll play a crucial role in developing an innovative ingestible capsule for stress detection and alleviation. Working on the cutting-edge Ultragut project, you'll focus on creating advanced polymer coatings that enable safe deployment and travel of the device through the gut. This role offers you the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in enteric neuromodulation, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to show proof of concept for this novel device. You'll be at the forefront of biomedical innovation, leveraging your expertise in polymer science to shape the future of ingestible medical technologies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop Polymer Coatings: Design and integrate thermoplastic polyurethane and enteric polymer coatings for the Ultragut device.
• Conduct Research: Perform physicochemical and mechanical characterisation of polymer coatings and contribute to biomarker sensing platform development.
• Generate Documentation: Produce test reports, contribute to design history files, and collate regulatory documents.
• Disseminate Findings: Write journal manuscripts and present research at conferences and seminars.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a polymer science expert with a PhD in biomedical engineering or a related field, capable of designing and characterising pH-responsive coatings while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

You may also:

• Have a PhD in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrate expertise in polymer processing technologies and characterisation.
• Show experience in designing pH-responsive polymer coatings and integrating them with medical devices.
• Possess a track record of high-quality publications and effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering encompasses both the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This fusion of engineering disciplines provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment that is world leading in both research and teaching.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

For recruitment queries, email Nick Petersen at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: Friday 20th February 2026 11:55 PM; AEDT, Melbourne time zone.