Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Hybrid Glass X-ray Scintillators

About the role

The School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to join Associate Professor Jingwei Hou's group on an NHMRC Investigator Grant project developing hybrid glass scintillators for flexible, wearable X-ray detectors used in low-dose imaging of infants and children. The position is full-time (100%) and fixed-term for up to 2 years, based at the St Lucia Campus in Brisbane, with a base salary of $85,372.89 to $113,659.72 plus 17% superannuation (Academic Level A); visa sponsorship may be offered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the materials work: design, synthesise and characterise hybrid glass scintillators and relate glass structure to scintillation performance.
• Develop and characterise advanced hybrid glass scintillator materials, lead synchrotron experiments, collaborate on detector prototype development and contribute to publications, conference presentations and funding applications.
• Supervise HDR and undergraduate students, mentor them and help manage research support staff and resolve workplace issues in line with University policy.
• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and improve teaching practice in response to student feedback.
• Support unit operations, comply with health and safety requirements and engage with internal and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• A PhD (awarded or near completion) in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field.
• In-depth understanding of hybrid glass materials such as MOF glasses, coordination polymer glasses or hybrid metal halide glasses, including melt-quenching and structure-property analysis.
• Hands-on experience with synchrotron techniques, from beamtime proposals through data collection to analysis.
• A publication record in relevant journals appropriate to career stage.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Required skills

• Experience with MOF glass synthesis and characterisation, thin-film or flexible device fabrication, and structural modelling of amorphous materials (e.g. reverse Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics) is considered favourable.

What we offer

• Access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support and greater research funding opportunities.
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading and access to internal-only vacancies.
• Possibility of employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package for interstate or overseas applicants, though upfront costs remain the applicant's responsibility.

Applications close 5 November 2026. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and answers to the 'About You' section through the University's online application system; email applications are not accepted. Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks.