"Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Fellow – Critical Metals"

• Critical metals researcher role within Swinburne University
• Full time, 2-year position at our Hawthorn campus
• Academic Level A or B (depending on skills and experience) + 17% super

About the Role 

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Postdoctoral researcher to join us in our project focused on the "Development of Metallothermic Reactor for Processing and Recycling of Critical Metals". In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers from Swinburne University and CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia), as well as industry partners.

This position is part of the new Swinburne-CSIRO joint program on Sustainable Mineral Processing and Green Steel, aimed at addressing global decarbonization challenges through innovative green steel and critical metals research and development. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance national research capabilities and support industry efforts in adopting low-emission technologies for future demonstrations and development.

The project focuses on metallothermic reduction, a process that utilizes metals for extracting critical metals from ores or secondary resources without carbon emissions. This method is particularly advantageous for high-value metals sourced from secondary resources such as metal wastes, chips, and scraps. Previous joint efforts between Swinburne and CSIRO have demonstrated the efficacy of metallothermic reduction in recovering valuable metals from end-of-life batteries and producing rare-earth light-metal alloys. Notably, the process benefits from an ignition/thermite reaction observed during the reduction of end-of-life battery cathode materials. We anticipate leveraging this thermite reaction to enable zero-carbon processing at a low cost, without the need for external heating.

Further information about this position can be found in the attached position description. The role will be appointed at either a postdoc researcher or a research fellow depending on relevant skills and experience. 

Pursuant to a Special Measure under Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), we will only consider applications from suitably qualified women for these positions (includes all people who identify as women).

About You 

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: 

• A thorough knowledge of thermodynamic/kinetics modelling and hands-on experience with thermodynamic / thermochemical packages
• A hands-on experience in high temperature experimentations (kinetics and equilibrium) 
• Ability to design and conduct independent research projects within a broader overall team environment, to identify complementary expertise and initiate appropriate collaborations, and to analyse the state of areas of technology from publications and patents
• Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment

Qualifications

• Doctoral qualification (or research experience) in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or related areas

About Swinburne University of Technology 

Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, 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, and proud of it. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

•  Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience

•  Every Swinburne graduate gets a job

•  Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution

•  Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing 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 Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au. 

Applications Close: Sunday 7th July 2024, 11pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Equity and Diversity 

Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. For further information on all our initiatives visit our Equity & Diversity website.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact inclusion@swin.edu.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

For any support please contact DeadlyCareers@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

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. 

We are a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

#LI-SWClick here for the Level A position description

Click here for the Level B position description

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