- Based at La Trobe’s regional campus, Bendigo
- Fixed Term up to 1 year, Full time
- Level A/6 Academic (Research only)
- Work with inspiring people who are driven to make a difference
About the position
This position is for a postdoctoral researcher that will significantly advance research excellence in close collaboration with industry. They will be responsible for leading the research project in Kong research group (Advanced Polymer and Composite Materials Laboratory) in close collaboration with industrial partner, under the MOBIUS umbrella, working closely with other MOBIUS and Kong group postdoctoral researchers and HDR students.
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this position, you will have;
Essential experience/skills: (please address these selection criteria points below in your application).
- Completion of a PhD in the relevant discipline (chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering, materials engineering or similar).
- Proven hands-on research experience with synthesis of functional polymers and chemical modification of polymers. A strong background in polymer chemistry is essential for this position.
- Experience with synthesis and characterisation of hydrogels for biomedical applications, preferably bioadhesives and injectable gels.
- Experience in mechanical and rheological characterisation of gels is essential.
- Experience in materials characterisation techniques, such as FTIR, NMR, microscopy.
- Solid understanding of structure-properties relation in polymer systems and design of hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Welcome Video - Victorian Regional campus;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-NZBy693Go
Benefits:
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- Flexible work arrangements
- On site childcare facilities
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing date: By 11:55pm Sunday 1st March 2026
Position Enquiries: Ing Kong, Professor, Manufacturing Engineering
Email: I.Kong@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Talent Acquisition Operations Officer, Yola El-hassanieh;
Email: Y.El-hassanieh@latrobe.edu.au
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
PD Research Officer (Bendigo).pdf
Position open to international applicants. Only visa assistance up to a max. $2000 AUD will be offered and covered by La Trobe Uni. Relocation assistance will be at the cost of the candidature.
Please submit an online application ONLY and must include the following documents to be considered:
- Cover letter addressing your suitability for the position (max 1 page);
- CV to be limited to 5 pages max., outlining only relevant experience, and a link to Google Scholar or a publication list.
- A separate document addressing the first 6 bullet points under the Essential Criteria ‘core requirement’, which is located in the position description.
Please scroll down to apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
Why La Trobe:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future
La Trobe’s Cultural Qualities:
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La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.
