Research Associate in Geochemistry

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY; Australia; On-site; AUD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian university is seeking a Research Associate in Geochemistry to conduct innovative research on the geochemistry of mine waste. The role requires a PhD in Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Science and involves research design, stakeholder engagement, and supervision of students. This full-time position offers an academic-level salary ranging from $86,423 to $104,734 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

Benefits

17% Superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development activities

Qualifications

• A motivated early-career researcher with a strong foundation in geochemistry.
• Experience in mineralogical and geochemical techniques.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research design, experimental work, data collection and analysis.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Support the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students.

Skills

Geochemistry

Acid mine drainage research

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Science

Tools

QXRD

MLA

ANC

Job description

Organisation/Company FLINDERS UNIVERSITY Research Field Chemistry Environmental science Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country Australia Application Deadline 7 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Fixed Term until April 2027| Full Time
• Academic Level A | $86,423 - $104,734 p.a. + 17% Super

The College of Science and Engineering is seeking a Research Associate in Geochemistry to contribute to innovative research on the geochemistry of mine waste. Using mineralogical and microbiological approaches at laboratory and mesoscale levels, this research supports industry efforts to remediate and responsibly manage mine waste.

The Research Associate will:

• Contribute to research design, experimental work, data collection and analysis.
• Review current literature, present at meetings and conferences, and generate high-quality research outputs.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional owners, industry personnel and international collaborators.
• Support the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students where appropriate.

About You

You are a motivated early-career researcher with a strong foundation in geochemistry and a developing track record in acid mine drainage research. You bring initiative, curiosity and technical capability to complex lab and field-based research, and thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. You can confidently communicate complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences, produce clear and accurate reports, and work independently to deliver high-quality outcomes.

You will also demonstrate:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Science.
• Emerging research outputs at national and/or international level in acid mine drainage.
• Experience in mineralogical and geochemical techniques such as QXRD, MLA, ANC, and related methodologies.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments to investigate and influence mine waste or soil chemistry.

The Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology is a hub of nanotechnology research and education. We work across energy, health and other biological processes, environment, and security—and not just for the peer-reviewed publications. Our team works with business and industry, connecting real-world problems with research-driven solutions.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So,why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities, including Researcher Leadership Development Programs.
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff

A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the four Key Position Capabilities of the position description:
  • PhD in Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Science.
  • Demonstrated emerging research experience in terms of publications and presentations at a national and/or international level in acid mine drainage
  • Demonstrated experience in qualitative geochemistry research methodologies including QXRD, MLA, ANC etc.
  • Demonstrate the ability to construct experiments to drive changes in mine wastes and/or soil chemistry

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.