Work at Exciton Science | ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science

Exciton Science periodically offers opportunities for casual work, fixed-term contracts and continuing positions.

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Work

Research Associate in Polymer Engineering

The position is primarily located at the School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, but it is anticipated the successful applicant will spend time at the Monash node of the Centre, located at the New Horizons Building at Monash University, as well as at industry partner facilities in Dandenong.

The overarching goal of the work is to help the Centre translate new materials into forms useful to Australian industry. Specifically:

• Developing methods to homogeneously disperse dyes and chromophores into industrial plastics for passive solar applications.
• Developing methods to laminate and process plastics into optical quality thin films.
• Helping develop methods for optical characterisation of the resultant polymers.
• Helping develop scalable methods of production for Australian industry.

The position will focus specifically on dispersion of dyes and chromophores into PVB, EVA, PMMA and poly carbonate polymer matrices. Participation in other projects may be possible, depending on performance and progress.

The successful applicant is expected to liaise with industry and with staff and students making novel dyes for use in the polymers.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have an excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research-based team environment and liaise with people from diverse backgrounds. You will be confident in your organisational skills to meet deadlines and bring projects to a timely completion as well as your ability to plan and organise projects. You will also be able to develop, administer and see through to completion appropriately designed research projects with limited supervision.

You will also have:

  • Completion of an MSc/MEng (or a PhD) in the areas of polymer chemistry, polymer engineering, industrial polymer processing or related field
  • Demonstrated industrial experience in the field of polymer processing or related fields
  • A demonstrated aptitude for research and development in an industrial context
  • Desirable research experience in working and processing polymers such as EVA, polycarbonates, lucite, PMMA, Plexiglas or PVB as well as experience in characterising and QC in the polymer industry

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/912198/research-associate-in-polymer-engineering