Research Associate (A/B) - School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

Adelaide CBD, SA, Australia, 5000

Fixed term - Full-time

Level B

Based in the College of Engineering and IT at the Adelaide City Campus East.

Full-time (1.0FTE), fixed term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of further extension dependant on funding.

(Level A) $91,293 - $109,307 or (Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is seeking to appoint a talented researcher to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of heavy industry.

In this role you will contribute to establishing an experimental program on novel iron and bauxite beneficiation technologies to assist with next-generation green steel and alumina production pathways.

The tasks will include but are not limited to designing, developing, and testing different pyro-metallurgical pathways to upgrade low-grade bauxite and iron ore resources.

It will also include writing of journal papers, industrial reports, attending/presenting in domestic and international conferences, and nurturing of relations with our industry stakeholders. You will be expected to work collaboratively with industry and other researchers on a program to develop and de-risk technological solutions for the decarbonation of production processes in these heavy industries.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description below to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

This is an opportunity to be part of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) that brings together industries, researchers, and government organisations seeking new low-carbon technologies and methods that will overcome barriers, and help transition the steel, iron, alumina, and cement industries and allow them to thrive in a carbon-neutral world.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, research‑driven environment and enjoys working closely with both academic and industry partners. You’ll experience a dynamic mix of laboratory experimentation, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge‑sharing that keeps your workday purposeful, varied, and connected to real‑world impact.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

Level A

A PhD (or near completion) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Knowledge or experience in planning, designing, and safely conduct pyro-metallurgical experiments for bauxite and/or iron ores beneficiation at laboratory- and pilot-scale

Knowledge or experience in designing, commissioning, and safely conduct high-temperature experiments involving ore processing, including but not limited to roasting and/or reduction

Experience in using analytical techniques for mineralogical characterisation (e.g., TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, XRF, XRD)

Experience in experimental down-stream ore separation (e.g., grinding, magnetic separation, flotation, digestion)

Well-developed communication skills and an ability to prepare high-quality scientific publications and to present engagingly to different audiences

Ability to work in a team, interacting effectively with colleagues.

Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and an ability to contribute to the diversity of the School community.

Level B

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline and with postdoctoral research experience in an academic or industrial environment.

Demonstrated ability in planning, designing, and safely conduct pyro-metallurgical experiments for bauxite and/or iron ores beneficiation at laboratory- and pilot-scale

Demonstrated ability in designing, commissioning, and safely conduct high-temperature experiments involving ore processing, including but not limited to roasting and/or reduction.

Demonstrated experience in using analytical techniques for mineralogical characterisation (e.g., BET, TGA, SEM, TEM, XRF, XRD)

Demonstrated experience in experimental down-stream ore separation (e.g., grinding, magnetic separation, flotation, digestion)

Proven skills in technical writing and track-record of publishing high-quality scientific papers and in presenting engagingly to different audiences

Demonstrated ability to work in a team, interacting effectively with colleagues.

Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and an ability to contribute to the diversity of the School community.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your future with Adelaide University now

Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:

your current CV

a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11:30pm, Monday 29th of June 2026.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting job reference 493074):

Rachael Cossons

Talent Acquisition Adviser

+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au