• School of Chemical Engineering - Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $112,572.59 - $133,381.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level B)
• Visa Sponsorship may be available for this appointment
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane, Australia

About This Opportunity

The Research Fellow / Senior Research Officer supports interdisciplinary research activities associated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-efficient Beneficiation of Minerals at the School of Chemical Engineering and the industry in flotation separation of coarse mineral particles.

In this role you will focus on investigating new physics and chemistry of bubble-particle interactions that underpin coarse particle flotation, based on the properties, structures, and interactions of the involved interfaces in the presence of salts, surfactants, and polymers. It will have a broad responsibility, including research project planning and management support for the project collaborators, like PhD students, industry partners, and others, providing general assistance to senior academic staff and research project execution.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Conduct research on bubble-particle interactions in flotation across molecular to industrial scales using advanced modelling tools like CFD, Matlab, and experimental techniques such as AFM and XCT. Collaborate with colleagues to source, install, and maintain laboratory equipment, handling minor repairs or proposals as needed. Prepare timely reports for funding bodies and ensure compliance with OH&S requirements in managing labs and chemical inventories. Develop an independent or collaborative research program aimed at national recognition, producing quality research outputs through publications and conferences. Contribute to funding applications, often as a chief investigator, and support knowledge transfer and commercialisation efforts, while applying best practice research methodologies.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Provide technical advice and research support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, demonstrating effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. Support researcher development through coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities, while facilitating engagement for HDR candidates. Lead supervisee performance and address conflicts promptly in line with university policies, reflecting strong personal effectiveness in supervision and research management.

• Citizenship and Service: Collaborate closely with senior academic staff and contribute to internal service roles, including committee participation and decision-making processes. Build strong connections with industry, government, professional bodies, and academic peers, while engaging in external service activities. Attend and present at conferences and workshops, demonstrate leadership through mentoring and collaboration, and consistently model behaviours aligned with UQ values.

• Teaching: Where undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is undertaken achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback. Relevant teaching areas for the role are advanced modelling and advanced control (e.g. CHEE7111 and CHEE7113 courses).

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 Chemical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• Proficient in advanced modelling and simulation using CFD and Matlab, with hands-on experience in experimental tools and setups including AFM, XCT, flotation cells, and bubble columns.
• Skilled in laboratory experimental design, equipment setup, and maintenance of research facilities and instrumentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, grant applications, and journal publications.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, often leading specific research projects.
• Demonstrated experience in building a growing research profile, securing external funding, and engaging effectively with students, researchers, and external stakeholders including industry and government bodies.

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, etc.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Anh Ngyuen 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 Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-51210).