• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four different undergraduate programs leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

The Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of independent and group projects relevant to their particular field of research, collaborating closely with PhD students and academics from the Faculties of Science and Medicine & Health.

The role is based in the School of Chemistry and works as part of a polymer group focused on the design of new polymers for drug delivery. In particular, the Research Associate is required to evaluate toxicity and biodistribution of nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.

About the role

• $113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Professor Martina Stenzel and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:  

• Contribute independently and as a team member in collaborative research with a focus on the evaluation of nanoparticles in vivo.
• Conduct research in the field of nanomedicine and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognized by peers, including publications.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through publications.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. preparing ethics applications, surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Assist with the supervision and training of research students in the research area where required.
• Evaluate toxicity of nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.
• Use various imaging techniques to understand the fate of nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.
• Carry out basic immune response studies and biological evaluations for other members of the research group.
• Participate in regular project meetings.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in nanomedicine, biomedical engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in the following: o Working with in vivo models using nanoparticles;
  • Imaging of nanoparticles;
  • Preparation of animal ethics applications; and
  • Immune response studies.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects in a timely manner and to submit reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and manage professional working relationships and work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students, including an ability to train students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training. 

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Martina Stenzel
E: m.stenzel@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: August 24^th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.