"Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Sustainable Minerals Institute / JKMRC
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months
• Base salary will be in the range $76,025.00 - $80,606.71 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)
• Based at our University Mine - Indooroopilly

About This Opportunity

We’re looking for a Research Assistant with strong mathematical and programming skills to support cutting-edge work in minerals processing within the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC). In this role, you’ll help develop and code mathematical models, analyse data to uncover key insights, and collaborate with industry partners to deploy soft sensors in real-time environments.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Under the guidance of senior researchers, program process models for the minerals processing industry
• Assist with the conversion of experimental excel-based soft sensors to industry-ready programmed solutions using C++ and python
• Support research by performing data analysis tasks
• Liaise with clients regarding delivery of soft sensor solutions to the mineral processing industry
• Assist senior staff with undertaking routine experiments

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. Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• Salary packaging options

About You

• An excellent programmer with a background in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software or Computer Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline with relevant experience.
• Good written and verbal communication skills (able to write clear documentation, standards, and technical guides; liaise effectively with clients), interpersonal skills (working as part of a team), and attention to detail.
• Experience in programming multiple languages (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, VBA, etc)
• Some experience in developing machine learning models
• Demonstrated ability to perform data analytics using Python packages such as pandas, seaborn, scikit-learn
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively either alone or in a team environment with a demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, pay attention to detail and maintain professionalism.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Gordon Forbes g.forbes@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section and the ‘Key Responsibilities’ section. Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

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. Applications close Tuesday 9 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54484).