We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead experimental research, scale-up synthesis, and day-to-day laboratory operations within the SINFERT phosphorus-recovery platform at UCD. The successful candidate will drive key developments in  DOC chemistry, transforming secondary bio-based feedstocks and industrial ashes into high-purity phosphorus intermediates, battery precursors, and functional materials. 

Key Responsibilities

• Extraction & Synthetic Chemistry: Lead wet-chemical extraction, Direct Organic Complexation (DOC) processes, and purification procedures for phosphorus recovery across various ash feedstocks and bio-based residues. 

• Scale-Up & Process Optimization: Execute multi-gram to multi-kilogram synthetic scaling protocols (including fluid mixing and continuous-flow extraction) and resolve technical bottlenecks during scale-up. 

• Analytical Testing & QC: Develop and execute analytical methods (e.g., ICP-OES/MS, NMR, XRD, particle sizing) to ensure high-purity product specifications and precise assay determinations. 

• Laboratory Management & Safety: Oversee daily lab operations, maintain and calibrate key analytical instrumentation, ensure compliance with UCD chemical safety standards, and manage consumables inventory. s.

• Data Integrity & Reporting: Maintain meticulous laboratory records, interpret complex analytical datasets, draft high-impact peer-reviewed publications/patents, and contribute to milestone reports for funding bodies. 

• Research Leadership & Mentorship: Actively supervise, train, and guide PhD candidates, masters students, and research assistants within the group, serving as a day-to-day technical lead in the laboratory. 

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Track Record: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or proven experience with patent drafting and IP generation.

• Core Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry, inorganic/organic extraction platforms, and complex mixture purification.

• Analytical Skills: practical knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation, method development, instrument calibration, and quantitative data interpretation.

• Leadership & Supervision: Proven willingness and capability to supervise research students, manage laboratory workflows, and enforce rigorous and safe protocols.

• Soft Skills: communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary and commercial partnership boundaries.