Critical minerals Postdoctoral Fellow

Adelaide University Careers; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 108,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Adelaide invites applications for a 2.5-year postdoctoral research position in Earth Sciences, focused on Rare Earth Elements mobilization and concentration in weathering environments. The role is based at City East Campus and located within the Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre.

You will access advanced material characterisation and geochemical facilities, collaborate with AU, CSIRO and ARC Centre partners, and contribute to regional/national scale prospectivity

Qualifications

• PhD in geology or geochemistry required.
• Experience in economics geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, or critical zone geology preferred.
• Strong communication with publication/presentation record.

Responsibilities

• Lead postdoctoral research on REE mobilization in weathering environments.
• Conduct geologic, geochemical, and leachability testing on REE-rich regolith systems.
• Collaborate with university, CSIRO and ARC Centre partners; contribute to regional/national prospectivity mapping.

Skills

Strong communication

Field experience

Laboratory experience

Collaborations

Education

PhD in geology or geochemistry

Job description

• Based in College of Science at the City East Campus location
• Full-time, 30-month fixed term contract
• Salary range: $107,816- $115,447 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

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 changemakers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

This 2.5-year postdoctoral research program aims to accelerate our understanding of how Rare Earth Elements (REE) are mobilised and concentrated in weathering environments. Target regolith environments include – but are not limited to – ion-adsorption clay hosted mineralisation, heavy mineral sands, tropical weathering profiles, carbonatite and phosphorite regolith horizons, and unconformity related systems.

The research program may include geologic, geochemical and leachability testing on REE enriched regolith systems, detailed case studies of prospects/deposits, development and application of novel isotope and sensing methods to track mineralisation processes, and regional/national scale prospectivity mapping.

The team

The successful candidate will join the team in Earth Sciences at Adelaide University Adelaide as part of the growing Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre. The postdoc will have access to the advanced material characterisation and geochemical/isotope facilities at the University, and to the wider network of expertise at Adelaide University, CSIRO, and through the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future.

Visit the AU website to learn more about Earth Sciences and critical minerals research in Adelaide.

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 research role provides access to evolving resources and collaborative spaces. It requires a high level of interaction and adaptability to diverse personal styles, with regular opportunities to contribute to the development of new research methodologies and processes.

You will be part of a resilient team that values flexibility and proactive problem-solving, empowering you to drive success in a constantly evolving workplace.

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:

• A PhD in geology or geochemistry
• Research experience in one of more of the areas of economic geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, and critical zone geology
• Strong communication skills including a demonstrated record of research publication and presentation
• Experience working in field and analytical laboratory environments
• Demonstrable potential to build and maintain collaborations between university, industry and government for the research project

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.