Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in materials science, physics, geoscience or chemistry?
• Want to conduct research in mineral resources characterisation?
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation!

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

CSIRO Mineral Resources (CMR) is one of the largest minerals research and development groups globally, with a proud track record in delivering innovation and solutions across the mineral resources value chain. We thrive on innovation harnessed by the diversity of the minds and lived experiences of our team and apply our expert knowledge and specialised research to provide innovation that solves the complex problems faced by minerals companies, mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) companies, government, and other industry stakeholders.

As a CERC Fellow working in CMR, you will be focused on state-of-the-art analytical techniques for high purity (>99.99% pure) materials. Our ongoing research funded by the Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub is examining novel methods to produce high purity alumina to support Australian semiconductor and electronics production. The high purity of alumina required, and refractory nature of corundum means that many conventional analytical techniques are not suitable for analysing both bulk impurity content and where impurities occur in the alumina. You will research currently available techniques and new technologies to establish a high purity material analysis facility in CSIRO Mineral Resources.

Your duties will include:

• Working with Mineral Resources Characterisation Program researchers to produce a roadmap of new and existing analytical techniques for high purity materials.
• Gaining expertise in key techniques through CSIRO laboratories and partner institutions and produce analysis workflows for high purity materials.
• Collaborating with Mineral Processing researchers to provide chemical and structural data on both feedstocks and processed materials.
• Building collaborations across geoscience and materials analysis laboratories in Australia (including Critical Minerals R&D Hub partners ANSTO and Geoscience Australia) to drive innovation in high purity materials analysis.
• Always operating with a strong safety focus and foster inclusivity within CSIRO Mineral Resources.

Location: Perth, WA (preferred) or Melbourne, VIC (will be considered)

Salary: AU$92,624 - AU$101,459 plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 95378

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as materials science, physics, geoscience or chemistry. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience analysis materials using atom-to-microscale techniques or proven knowledge and experience of trace element analysis using mass spectrometry or other applicable techniques.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.

Desirable

• Experience analysing high purity materials.
• Expertise in analysing raw and processed geological materials.
• Experience learning and applying new analytical methods to challenging materials.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

9 February 2024, 11:00pm AEDT