Geoscience Modelling Engineer

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 94,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a Geoscience Modelling Engineer to join the QuESt Lab within the School of Geosciences on a part-time, fixed-term basis. The role focuses on developing and maintaining the EarthLab whole-Earth modelling environment, in collaboration with BHP, and advancing tools integrating plate tectonics, climate and landscape evolution.

Located at Camperdown Campus, the appointment is 0.5 FTE for 3 years with a base salary of 162,528 AUD pro rata plus 17%

Qualifications

• PhD in computational geodynamics or closely related field, or near completion.
• Experience developing and maintaining geoscience modelling software.
• Strong programming capability in Python, C/C++ or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain advanced geoscience modelling software and code frameworks.
• Contribute to the delivery of the EarthLab whole-Earth system modelling environment.
• Collaborate with EarthLab researchers and BHP Exploration teams on modelling initiatives.
• Support integration of geodynamic, climate and landscape evolution models.
• Enhance and maintain community research tools used by the geoscience community.
• Contribute to research outputs and innovation in quantitative Earth systems science.
• Assist HDR students, researchers and postdoctoral staff with modelling workflows and code development.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Geoscience modelling

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in computational geodynamics

Job description

Part-time (0.5 FTE), 3 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Geosciences Work on one of the world's most ambitious Earth system modelling initiatives Base Salary, HEO10 $162,528 (pro rata) p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for a Geoscience Modelling Engineer to join the QuESt (Quantitative Earth Systems) Lab within the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney as a Geoscience Modelling Engineer. Working within the groundbreaking EarthLab program, delivered in partnership with BHP, you will contribute to the development of the world's most comprehensive whole-Earth modelling framework designed to improve understanding of how Earth systems control the formation and preservation of copper deposits. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of computational geoscience, collaborating with leading researchers and industry partners to develop advanced modelling tools that integrate plate tectonics, mantle convection, landscape evolution, climate systems and biosphere processes into a unified computational framework.

• develop and maintain advanced geoscience modelling software and code frameworks
• contribute to the delivery of the EarthLab whole-Earth system modelling environment
• collaborate with EarthLab researchers and BHP Exploration teams on modelling initiatives
• support the integration of geodynamic, climate and landscape evolution models
• enhance and maintain community research tools used by the geoscience community
• contribute to research outputs and innovation in quantitative Earth systems science
• assist HDR students, researchers and postdoctoral staff with modelling workflows and code development

This position provides a rare opportunity to:

• work on a globally significant research initiative with direct application to mineral exploration
• partner with leading academic researchers and industry experts
• contribute to high-impact scientific discoveries and publications
• develop cutting-edge computational tools that will be used by the international geoscience community
• be part of a vibrant and collaborative research environment at Australia's leading university

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Geoscience Modelling Engineer who has:

• a PhD (or near completion) in computational geodynamics, tectonics, landscape evolution, palaeoclimate science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
• demonstrated experience developing and maintaining geoscience modelling software
• expertise in one or more numerical geoscience areas including plate tectonic reconstructions, thermomechanical modelling, palaeoclimate modelling and/or landscape evolution modelling
• strong scientific programming capability in Python, C/C++ or similar programming languages
• a proven record of publishing and developing geoscience modelling codes
• experience working with complex computational modelling frameworks and large geoscience datasets
• a demonstrated ability to support collaborative research programs and multidisciplinary teams

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close Wednesday 30 September 2026 11:59 PM

The University values are excellence, trust and accountability.

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion.

Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made.

Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html