Research Fellow - De-risking Flash Reduction of Australian Iron Ores

Step into a role where cutting-edge research meets real-world impact

Full-time, fixed term (12-month) position at our Hawthorn campus

Academic Level B salary + 17% super and staff benefits

About the Opportunity

Join Swinburne’s High Temperature Processing Group and contribute to a major HILT CRC-funded project focused on de-risking flash reduction of Australian iron ores. This is a hands-on research role where you’ll work on cutting-edge, low-emissions ironmaking technologies alongside leading researchers and industry partners.

At Swinburne, you’ll join a globally connected university known for research excellence, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to innovation. This role offers:

• The chance to work on a nationally significant, industry-funded project
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment
• Collaboration with leading researchers and industry experts
• A supportive and inclusive research environment

About the Role

As a Research Fellow, you will play a key role in designing and delivering experimental and analytical research activities. You’ll apply your expertise in high-temperature processes to generate insights that support the development and de-risking of next-generation ironmaking technologies.

Working closely with Project Leader Dr. Shabnam Sabah and Deputy Leader Professor Geoffrey Brooks, you’ll also collaborate with a vibrant cohort of researchers and PhD candidates, as well as external stakeholders across academia and industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to experimental research in high-temperature processing of iron ores
• Conduct advanced laboratory testing and analysis
• Interpret results using chemical thermodynamics and modelling tools
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Swinburne and partner organisations
• Contribute to publications, reports, and stakeholder engagement activities

About You

You are a driven and curious researcher with a passion for metallurgical innovation and applied engineering. You thrive in collaborative environments and are motivated by research that delivers tangible industry impact.

• Engineering experience, ideally within the iron or steel industry
• Strong hands-on experience with high-temperature laboratory testing
• Proficiency in materials characterisation techniques such as XRD and SEM
• Familiarity with chemical thermodynamic analysis software
• Experience working in higher education or within a large, complex organisation (desirable)

If you’re looking to advance your research career while contributing to the future of sustainable ironmaking, we’d love to hear from you.

Qualifications

A PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Sunday 7 June 2026, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.