Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Surface Chemistry of Flotation Separation and Mineral Dewatering

Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Surface Chemistry of Flotation Separation and Mineral Dewatering - School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of EAIT

Locations: St Lucia Campus

Time Type: Full time

Posted On: Posted 3 Days Ago

Job Requisition ID: R-42292

School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of EAIT

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

Position can be offered at Level B or C:

• Academic level B will be in the range $110,365.29 - $130,765.78 + 17% Superannuation
• Academic level C will be in the range $134,845.87 - $155,246.38 + 17% Superannuation

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position

Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

The Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow 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 surface chemistry of flotation separation and mineral dewatering.

In this position you will focus on developing new processes for flotation separation and dewatering of coal and minerals 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 including PhD students, industry partners, and others, providing general assistance to senior academic staff and research project execution.

Key responsibilities at Academic level B will include:

Research:

• Research the bubble-bubble, bubble-particle, and particle-particle interactions at different (molecular to industrial) scales as related to flotation and dewatering using advanced molecular modelling, advanced research tools (Atomic Force Microscopy - AFM, Vibrational Sum-Frequency-Generation Spectroscopy - SFG, X-ray Computed Tomography - XCT), and experimental setups (Jameson flotation cell, MicrocelTM flotation cell, solid-bowl centrifuges).
• Source, procure and install advanced laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepare reports, maintain group laboratories, develop an independent and/or team research program, produce quality research outputs, participate in or contribute as chief investigator role, support with development of joint research projects, contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users and review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

Supervision and Researcher Development:

• Provide technical advice and research support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, while effectively supervising Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, demonstrating personal effectiveness in developing researcher capabilities and skills.
• Facilitate engagement opportunities for Higher Degree by Research supervisees, leading and developing their performance through feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Manage and resolve conflicts and grievances promptly, adhering to University policies and procedures to maintain a positive working environment.

Citizenship and Service:

• Collaborate closely with senior academic staff to support their duties, while effectively managing internal service roles, administrative processes, and participating in decision-making and committee service.
• Build connections with industrial partners, government departments, professional bodies, sponsors, and academic experts, as well as engage with the wider community.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and meetings to present research work, demonstrate leadership through mentoring and collaboration, and align behaviours with UQ values.

Additional to the above, Academic level C will include:

Research:

• You will be the lead contributor maintaining an active record of producing quality research outputs.
• Participate in or contribute as chief investigator role in applications for significant research funding.
• Undertake independent and/or team research that where possible impacts on policy, practices and/or commercialisation resulting in national recognition and developing international recognition in the research area.
• Encourage, initiate and coordinate strategic collaborative research projects in related area of expertise across University, national and international levels.

Supervision and Researcher Development:

• Act as Principal Supervisor to Higher Degree by Research students, leading by example in the responsible conduct of research and facilitating engagement opportunities for supervisees.
• Lead and develop employee performance, ensuring effective guidance and support in their professional growth.

Citizenship and Service:

• Advance external links and partnerships with industrial partners, government departments, professional bodies, sponsors, academic experts, and the wider community.
• Take responsibility for staff well-being and demonstrate a track record of achievement in internal service roles, including collaboration, decision-making, and committee service.
• Undertake required administrative processes and establish a strong record of collaboration in external service activities.

Please contact us via talent@uq.edu.au if you wish to receive the full position description.

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 equivalent experience/education/training.
• Expertise in laboratory experimental design, equipment setup, and laboratory maintenance.
• Experience with advanced molecular modelling, simulation, and experimental tools like AFM, SFG, XCT, and flotation cells.
• Strong skills in report writing, grant applications, and journal papers; active participation in discussions and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, leading specific projects.
• Effective communication and collaboration with students, researchers, managers, industry, consultants and government agencies.

For Appointment at Level C

Selection criteria as listed above, in addition to the following:

• National recognition in the area of expertise, with an internationally developing profile and an established record of publications in reputed refereed journal and presenting at conferences.
• A solid record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.

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.

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Anh Nguyen via a.nguyen@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au 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 don’t 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 talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close on Sunday, 8 September 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42292).