• School of Chemical Engineering - Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years
• Base salary will be in the range $80,448 - $107,104 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our Long Pocket - Brisbane location

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to work within the Pyrometallurgy Innovation Laboratory. This position will be responsible for undertaking integrated high temperature experimental and thermodynamic modelling studies of metallurgical systems as well as undertaking applied research within a dynamic team at the cutting edge of modern primary and secondary/recycling pyrometallurgy.

You will design and conduct experimental research on high temperature metallurgical systems including complex phase equilibria and heterogeneous kinetics and apply and further develop microanalysis methods for slags, matte, metals and other phases occurring in high temperature pyrometallurgy systems and perform thermodynamic optimisations of the above systems.

The successful applicant is expected to contribute to the development and delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs and foster relations with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Research: Design and conduct experimental research on high-temperature metallurgical systems, optimise multi-phase thermodynamic models, develop microanalysis methods, and perform thermodynamic optimisations using experimental data. Produce high-quality research outputs, apply for competitive funding, and collaborate on joint projects. Contribute to the transfer of knowledge and commercialisation of UQ intellectual property, while developing a coherent research program and adopting best practice methodologies.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, demonstrating personal effectiveness in managing researcher development. Lead and develop supervisees by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development. Manage research support staff in accordance with university policies and promptly address conflicts or grievances following university procedures.
• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.
• Teaching: Contribution to the development of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs and professional development courses, and implementing improvements or innovations based on feedback.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or related field of Science or Engineering (including but not limited to Materials, Geology, Ceramics, Physics, Inorganic Chemistry).
• Demonstrated knowledge in chemical thermodynamics, high temperature phase equilibrium and high temperature heterogeneous kinetics.
• Demonstrated skills in the development, independent design, planning, technical management and successful execution of research programs.
• Knowledge of extractive metallurgy and pyrometallurgical processes, in particular copper smelting and iron making.
• Detailed knowledge or at least practical skills in electron probe X-Ray microanalysis (EPMA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDX), Laser Ablation ICPMS (LAICPMS).
• Experience of working in or with the minerals/metallurgical industry.
• Experience in reporting research at major conferences and publishing papers on international journals.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations.

Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Evgueni Jak via [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the 'About You' section

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close on Monday, 12 May 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49917).