Full time, 12 months fixed term. Located on the Darlington Campus at the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Make a real-world impact by working on innovative asset management solutions, collaborating with industry experts and advancing your career through hands-on research in a cutting-edge, multi-industry project Base Salary, Level A $109,263 - $121,054 17% superannuation About the opportunity The School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an innovative research program focused on durable low-carbon concretes, corrosion science, and infrastructure asset management. This position forms part of a Smartcrete CRC-funded multi-industry collaboration aimed at enhancing the resilience and service life of critical civil infrastructure assets exposed to corrosive environments, while accelerating the adoption of sustainable and low-carbon materials in the built environment. A major focus of the role is supporting the implementation of low-carbon cement systems in the construction of civil infrastructure assets. This will involve designing and casting prototype components using low-carbon binders, conducting controlled lab tests, and supporting full-scale field testing to assess long-term durability and performance under real service conditions. The role also includes leading material characterisation, corrosion analysis, service life modelling, student mentoring, and direct collaboration with industry and university partners to ensure research outcomes are translatable and impactful. Your key responsibilities will be in: lead experimental research on low-carbon concrete durability and corrosion mechanisms, including prototype casting and field trials conduct material characterisation using advanced analytical techniques (XRD, SEM/EDS, FTIR, TGA) and material testing develop and apply service life modelling and decision support tools to optimise asset management and sustainability support student supervision and contribute to technical writing, reporting, and dissemination coordinate field testing and engage closely with industry partners and university collaborators assist with project coordination, including timelines, deliverables, and compliance with WHS standards. About you The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has: Essential a PhD in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with expertise in cementitious materials, concrete durability, or corrosion experience in laboratory testing of concrete and corrosion under corrosive or aggressive conditions, coupled with the aptitude to design or adapt experimental apparatuses for corrosion testing. proficiency in analytical techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and material testing methods including compressive and flexural strength. knowledge of cement chemistry, sustainable concrete design, and alternative binders. commitment to workplace health and safety, with experience or willingness to lead WHS compliance. ability to supervise students and contribute to technical writing and publications. strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Desirable ability to support casting and testing of concrete prototypes, including low-carbon and specialty concretes experience or interest in corrosion monitoring, service life modelling, and decision support tools, with willingness to develop expertise if not already proficient experience with field-based durability testing and data collection, including collaboration with industry partners strong project management skills, including planning and coordinating research activities, or willingness to develop these skills. Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. How to apply Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Wednesday 06 August 2025 11:59 PM