CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Geochemistry - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in Geochemistry, Chemistry, Physics or Material Science?
• Help discover new resources of critical minerals and improve mining and extraction technologies
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation! 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

Population growth and technological progress are driving the global demand for mineral resources. Critical metals, such as Rare Earth Elements, are vital to rapidly developing modern transportation technologies, low-carbon energy, and environmental innovations. To discover new resources of critical minerals and improve mining and extraction technologies, we require a fundamental understanding of the geological, chemical and physical processes that form ore deposits. 

This project will use a novel combination of computational geochemistry and data science approaches to address fundamental questions of critical metal solubility, transport and partitioning in mineral systems. The Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity and freedom to develop this highly inter-disciplinary approach, develop applications for new critical metal geochemistry in exploration and mineral processing models, and engage with other researchers across CSIRO Mineral Resources Discovery and Processing program to build network inside CSIRO.  

Your duties will include:

• Conduct molecular simulations of critical metal speciation in geo-fluids using computational chemistry packages
• Combine geochemical modelling with data science (i.e., machine learning) to interpret large geochemical datasets
• Calculate thermodynamic properties of critical metals in minerals and fluids to incorporate in a thermodynamic database
• Perform thermodynamic modelling of critical metal transport during ore formation and hydrometallurgical processes
• Carry out research investigations requiring originality, creativity and innovation

Location:  Kensington (Perth), Western Australia
Salary:  AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years
Reference:   75621

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Geochemistry, Chemistry, Physics or Material Science with a focus on molecular simulations.  Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in applying molecular modelling approaches to solve applied problems in for example geochemistry, chemistry, material or environmental sciences. 
• Demonstrated knowledge in thermodynamics and geochemical modelling, especially applying in ore forming systems
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible to for role, you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by December 2021/January 2022.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

31 August 2021, 11:00pm AEST