Deputy Director, Geochemical Infrastructure ManagementDate posted: 18/11/2024
Full time, fixed-term position until September 2028Job Reference: 735961 John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University
The John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is a core research infrastructure facility at Curtin University (https://jdlc.curtin.edu.au/) with over 14 research laboratories serving Curtin and the wider community. The JdLC is also headquarters for the AuScope EarthBank initiative.
EarthBank
EarthBank is an AuScope initiative aimed at transforming geochemical data production, management, and discoverability across Australia. EarthBank integrates research and infrastructure across a consortium of Australian universities, supporting national goals in resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and geoscientific research.
Your New Role
We are seeking a Deputy Director to support the EarthBank Project Director in managing and coordinating national geochemical data management initiatives. This is a leadership role with the opportunity to succeed the current Project Director, positioning the successful candidate as a key national leader in geochemical infrastructure management. The role offers significant opportunity to broaden into project management and strategic oversight beyond traditional research.
This position is based at Curtin University in Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, with some travel throughout Australia required.
We welcome applications from individuals with either an academic or professional background.
Key Responsibilities:Lead and coordinate geochemical data management activities across a consortium of Australian universities, ensuring cohesive data practices and a unified approach to data governance.Oversee expert advisory groups and working committees focused on establishing and implementing data standards, shaping scientific and data infrastructure priorities, and setting strategic directions for EarthBank's data initiatives.Develop and implement robust data models that align with both national and international standards for data interoperability, accessibility, and integrity, supporting publication and dissemination of these standards within the consortium.Initiate, supervise, and optimize data preservation and archiving projects, ensuring long-term security, accessibility, and usability of valuable geochemical datasets to support future research and open science principles.Build and maintain strong partnerships with EarthBank stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, and international research bodies, to ensure alignment with external initiatives and broader geoscientific goals.Mentor and support early-career researchers involved in EarthBank's programs, providing guidance in data management best practices and fostering career development through EarthBank's Geochemistry Fellowship.Facilitate cross-institutional collaboration by connecting research teams, standardizing data integration workflows, and ensuring seamless integration of geochemical datasets into EarthBank's national data platform.Contribute to strategic planning and drive the operationalization of new initiatives, working with EarthBank leadership to align resources, set priorities, and track progress against consortium goals.Prepare and present regular reports to the Steering Committee, funding agencies, and consortium leadership, ensuring transparency in project outcomes, resource use, and alignment with program objectives.Why Choose Us?Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings.Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise; as well as Hotel and Health Insurance discounts.Time Well-Spent: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Leave (5 days) *, Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus 18% more observed days off - enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period.Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2 hours per week of paid time off to engage in university-approved healthy lifestyle activities.Join Us
Please provide a cover letter, your CV, and a separate document outlining the selection criteria below:
Selection Criteria:Advanced research experience in geochemistry, Earth Sciences or a closely related field (PhD preferred but not essential).Demonstrated leadership interest with a proven track record or expressed commitment to transitioning from research to project management, strategic planning, and coordination at a national or multi-institutional scale.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to establish, manage, and maintain productive relationships with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders.Strong collaborative abilities and capability to work both independently and effectively as part of a geographically distributed, interdisciplinary team.Technical expertise in data management—including data architecture, analysis, or scientific infrastructure management—to support large-scale geochemical or geoscientific data initiatives (preferred but not required).Commitment to data accessibility and standardization, with an understanding of metadata standards, data curation practices, and open science principles.Applications close: Monday, 6 January 2025
Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check and undergo character, integrity, and reference checks. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working with Children Check.
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