Research Assistant, Air Pollutant Control

Full-time, Fixed Term for 12 months (Research)

Salary Academic Level A ($80,755 - $102,047 p.a.) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements

Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and the potential to work across other RMIT campuses as required

Make a real impact on Melbourne's air quality

Join RMIT's School of Engineering and contribute to a high-impact, government-funded research project improving air quality in Melbourne's west. As a Research Assistant, you will play a key role in designing and delivering innovative, nature-based solutions to reduce pollution from transport and landfill emissions.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply cutting-edge environmental engineering approaches in real-world settings, working at the intersection of research, community, and industry to create tangible public health and sustainability outcomes.

About the Role

You will contribute to the Air Quality Improvement Precincts project (DEECA-funded) by supporting the design, deployment, and evaluation of dynamic, nature-based air pollution control solutions.

Your work will include:

• Field-based air quality monitoring using low-cost sensors
• Environmental data collection, analysis, and visualisation
• Air pollution dispersion modelling
• Supporting citizen science and community engagement initiatives
• Producing high-quality technical reports and project documentation

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, industry partners, and community stakeholders, while building your own research portfolio.

To be successful in this position, you will meet the following Key Selection Criteria:

• Experience in air pollution measurement in the field, low-cost sensors, and environmental data analysis.
• Experience in nature-based solutions and air pollution dispersion modelling.
• Experience in citizen science and community engagement activities relating to air pollution.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, design documentation, and project records to support engineering activities and ensure knowledge transfer.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, with strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to manage multiple project tasks from design through to testing and delivery.
• Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

Mandatory: Qualification in a relevant discipline area.

Desirable: PhD in Civil, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering or a cognate discipline

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia to be considered for this position.

To Apply

Please click the 'Apply' link below and upload the following documents:

• Your CV
• A cover letter
• A separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Professor Aonghus McNabola via email aonghus.mcnabola@rmit.edu.au

Position Description - Research Assistant, Air Pollutant Control

Applications close on Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11.59pm.