Research Assistant (Fire Performance and Dynamics)

RMIT University; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

RMIT University in Melbourne seeks a Research Assistant to undertake targeted research in fire dynamics, fire safety, gas dispersion and thermal transport, applying numerical modelling and CFD to inform prototype design and experimental testing.

You will collaborate with researchers and industry partners, contribute to publications and conferences, and help pursue funding opportunities while developing autonomy and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.

Qualifications

• PhD in a field relevant to fire dynamics, fire safety, gas dispersion or thermal transport.
• Experience developing, validating and applying computational models for prototypes and testing.
• Proven research output in fire dynamics and CFD.
• Ability to secure industry/government funding through liaison.
• Autonomy while collaborating with teams and industry partners.
• Strong communication and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research activities aligned with a fire dynamics research strategy.
• Develop, validate and apply computational models to inform prototype design.
• Collaborate with researchers, project leaders and industry partners.
• Present findings through publications, reports and conferences.

Skills

Autonomy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD degree

Tools

CFD software

High-performance computing

Job description

Overview

Full-time, Fixed Term position until 31 July 2027 Salary Academic Level A + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements Based At the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

About You

As a Research Assistant, you will undertake research activities in line with the University’s research strategy, working with an increasing degree of autonomy as skills and experience develop.

You will have completed a PhD with experience in a field relevant to fire dynamics, fire safety, gas dispersion or thermal transport.

Strong numerical and computational modelling skills, with demonstrated experience developing, validating and applying models to support prototype design and experimental testing are key for the position.

As an effective communicator and collaborative team member, you will be comfortable engaging with researchers, project leaders and industry partners, and presenting complex technical information through publications, reports, conferences and research forums.

Experience in computational fluid dynamics, producing high-quality research outputs and contributing to industry or government funding opportunities will position you strongly for success in this role.

Qualifications

• A PhD qualification and experience relevant to numerical modelling of fire dynamics, fire safety, gas dispersion, and thermal transport, with demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and apply computational models to inform prototype design and experimental testing.
• Evidence of research output including publications, conference contributions and/or technical reports relating to fire dynamics and computational fluid dynamics.
• Ability to generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
• Ability to work autonomously whilst displaying a strong commitment to work in a team environment, including the demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively work with colleagues, project team leaders, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage varying workloads and respond to changing priorities as required.
• Demonstrated high level of communication skills.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the College

The STEM College holds a leading position and expertise in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health (STEM) fields. We are uniquely positioned to influence and partner with industry, as never before. STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks.

Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms).

To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

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

Applications

Applications Close: 10 Aug 2026 11.59 pm

Culture

Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other. Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices. Find out what makes RMIT a great place to work