Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in Energy Geosciences, Geochemistry, Geology with an understanding of their applications for energy exploration and storage?
• Conduct innovative research in Deep Earth Imaging science and contribute to the development of imaging and monitoring 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.

In this position you will join the Deep Earth Imaging Future Science Platform. Energy and mineral exports make significant contributions to Australia’s economy. To sustain these exports and reduce their emissions intensity will require advanced subsurface characterisation and monitoring approaches.

Deep Earth Imaging science helps us more precisely image, monitor and understand the significance of subsurface rock properties, which will unlock the resource potential of this vast and relatively under-explored continent and also contribute to the greenhouse abatement technologies. The development of low emissions intensity energy products in Australia will require development of new exploration strategies for clean energy resources, underground hydrogen and compressed air storage. Critical to the efficient deployment of these technologies is the development of fundamental understanding of natural and induced geochemical alterations of mineral, organic and pore structures in crystalline and sedimentary rocks targeted for energy exploration and storage.

As part of this effort, we are seeking an early career scientist specialising in the experimental characterization of hydrogen-rock interactions as a new member of an established team. The successful candidate will develop novel analytical approaches and data processing algorithms contributing to the development of imaging and monitoring technologies of the subsurface across multiple scales.

Your duties will include:

• Build observation-based understanding of hydrogen-rock interactions at the nano- to micro-scale to inform predictive geochemical models.
• Develop novel analytical approaches and data processing algorithms contributing to the development of imaging and monitoring technologies of the subsurface across multiple scales.
• Actively engage with domain experts to link next generation nanoscale analytical methods to process-based numerical modelling.
• Develop deeper understanding of the impact and the risk quantification associated with modifications of in-situ chemical and physical properties during storage and withdrawal operations.

Location:  Perth, Western Australia
Salary:  AU$92k - AU$101k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years
Reference:  91722

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Energy Geosciences, Geochemistry, Geology with an understanding of their applications for energy exploration and storage. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity with one or more of the following characterization methods: X-ray and neutron scattering and tomography; microbeam techniques (electron and ion-based).
• Experience in designing experiments and operating experimental equipment involving high pressure fluids and gases. 
• 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

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

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

11 April 2023, 11:00pm AEST