Critical metals researcher role within Swinburne UniversityFull time, 2-year position at our Hawthorn campusAcademic Level A or B (depending on skills and experience) + 17% super About the Role We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Postdoctoral researcher to join us in our project focused on the "Development of Metallothermic Reactor for Processing and Recycling of Critical Metals".In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers from Swinburne University and CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia), as well as industry partners.This position is part of the new Swinburne-CSIRO joint program on Sustainable Mineral Processing and Green Steel, aimed at addressing global decarbonization challenges through innovative green steel and critical metals research and development.Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance national research capabilities and support industry efforts in adopting low-emission technologies for future demonstrations and development.The project focuses on metallothermic reduction, a process that utilizes metals for extracting critical metals from ores or secondary resources without carbon emissions.This method is particularly advantageous for high-value metals sourced from secondary resources such as metal wastes, chips, and scraps.Previous joint efforts between Swinburne and CSIRO have demonstrated the efficacy of metallothermic reduction in recovering valuable metals from end-of-life batteries and producing rare-earth light-metal alloys.Notably, the process benefits from an ignition/thermite reaction observed during the reduction of end-of-life battery cathode materials.We anticipate leveraging this thermite reaction to enable zero-carbon processing at a low cost, without the need for external heating.Further information about this position can be found in the attached position description.The role will be appointed at either a postdoc researcher or a research fellow depending on relevant skills and experience.Pursuant to a Special Measure under Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), we will only consider applications from suitably qualified women for these positions (includes all people who identify as women).About You To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: A thorough knowledge of thermodynamic/kinetics modelling and hands-on experience with thermodynamic / thermochemical packagesA hands-on experience in high temperature experimentations (kinetics and equilibrium) Ability to design and conduct independent research projects within a broader overall team environment, to identify complementary expertise and initiate appropriate collaborations, and to analyse the state of areas of technology from publications and patentsDemonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment Qualifications Doctoral qualification (or research experience) in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or related areas About Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges.With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it.We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practiceThe achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.
