Research Academics, Characterisation Of Clay Minerals

Research Academics, characterisation of clay mineralsFaculty of Science & EngineeringPerth, Western AustraliaContract Full TimeDate posted: 16/10/2024
Two-year, fixed-term, full time positions, with possibilities for extensionCurtin Bentley (Perth, Western Australia) basedJob Reference: 735974Your new roleAre you looking to join a multi-disciplinary team that includes researchers from the school of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the John de Laeter Centre, and the West Australian School of Mines?The John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University is building a research team to develop their clay characterisation facility. Existing projects include characterisation and interpretation of material from the clay-hosted REE-bearing Jupiter prospect, Western Australia.The research team will build experience and a track record in the characterisation of weathered and unweathered material, including residues of mineral processing, from a range of locations, including the Jupiter prospect. The results will be used to derive a better understanding of the clay-hosting environments and optimise mineral processing strategies.These positions are linked to industry Trailblazer collaborative research on Venture Mineral's Jupiter prospect. In addition to project work, you will contribute to operation, maintenance and training for XRD and related instruments, and have the opportunity to develop additional academic and industry-facing projects.To be considered for these roles, you will be experienced in clay characterisation using X-ray diffraction and other relevant techniques such as infra-red spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Ideally, you will also have some experience working on industry-related projects. The successful candidates will be appointed at a salary level commensurate with their experience, based on the generic expectations for academics at levels A to D.Please note you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role, although we will consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.About usThe John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is a core analytical facility of Curtin University, supporting researchers in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The JdLC Facilities host world-class microanalytical and mass spectrometry instruments that are utilised by academic, government and industry researchers from around the world on applied research projects in the materials, minerals, energy, marine, environmental, forensic and defence industries.For more information on our centre, please visit .auWhy choose Curtin?We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket.Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace and are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings.Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise and Hotel, as well as Health Insurance discounts.Adaptable Work Environment: Embrace flexibility with a role based at our Bentley campus, with the option to work remotely from home or one of our other campus locations such as Midland or St George's terrace for a change of scenery.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, Community Service Leave, and access to Long Service Leave after 10 years of continuous service (65 days/13-week entitlement for full-time staff) for Academic Staff.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.Recognition for Prior Service: Curtin recognises prior service for long service leave purposes. New Curtin employees may be eligible if they have worked for an Australian University, public service or other recognised institution.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.For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.auJoin usPlease provide a cover letter, your CV and separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.Essential Criteria:PhD in the Earth Sciences or Mineral ProcessingComprehensive knowledge of the theory and practice of X-ray diffraction (XRD)Proven experience in clay mineral characterisation techniques, such as glycolation, heat treatments, and FTIRFamiliarity with XRD software (e.g., Topaz) and data processing methods (e.g. Rietveld refinement)Mineral imaging and characterisation skills including scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA)Publication, teaching, supervision, and funding record commensurate with the generic position description at the level applied forDesirable Experience:Laboratory operation and instrument maintenanceIndustry partnership development and project fulfillmentProject and partnership development and managementLeadership and trainingApplications close: Wednesday, 13 November 2024 10.30am AWSTApplicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction. 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.We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or (option 3,1), quoting the reference number.Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted.Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.DisclaimerCurtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert. #J-18808-Ljbffr