Research Fellow, Carbon Mineralization

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Disounted services and cultural/recrea

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a PhD-qualified researcher to lead experimental and modelling work in ex situ carbon mineralisation. You will operate and optimise a pioneering DAC‑MIN pilot plant, advancing laboratory experiments and geochemical modelling to deliver practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions.

You will publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at conferences, and help secure competitive funding.

Qualifications

• Hold, or be near completing, a PhD in hydrogeochemistry, industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrate research experience in fluid–rock reactions, carbon mineralisation, or water treatment, including experimental or modelling work.
• Publish a strong, peer‑reviewed publication record in relevant fields, commensurate with career stage.
• Bring proven project or laboratory management skills, ensuring safe, efficient delivery of complex experimental programmes.
• Collaborate effectively in multi‑disciplinary teams and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse academic and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to student supervision, mentoring, and the development of competitive research funding applications and collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments and geochemical modelling to advance ex situ carbon mineralisation processes.
• Develop and refine methods for cation leaching, impurity removal, and carbonate precipitation from industrial waste materials.
• Operate, monitor and optimise the carbon mineralisation pilot plant, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable performance.
• Publish high‑impact research, present at conferences, and contribute to funding proposals and industry partnerships.
• Co‑supervise and mentor graduate and PhD students, supporting an inclusive research culture.

Skills

Research experience

Geochemical modelling

Lab management

Team collaboration

Science communication

Education

PhD in hydrogeochemistry/related

Tools

Geochemical modelling tools

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-Term for 18 Months
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $110,319 p.a.)

• Innovative net zero research combining hands‑on DAC-MIN pilot plant experimentation and modelling.
• Join a world‑class team advancing carbon mineralisation technologies to support Australia's transition to a net zero future.
• Investing in you - 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this role, you will drive experimental and modelling research to advance ex situ carbon mineralisation technologies. You will operate and optimise a pioneering DAC-MIN pilot plant, applying scientific expertise to help develop practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions.

What you will deliver:

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments and geochemical modelling to advance ex situ carbon mineralisation processes.
• Develop and refine methods for cation leaching, impurity removal, and carbonate precipitation from industrial waste materials.
• Operate, monitor and optimise the carbon mineralisation pilot plant, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable performance.
• Publish high-impact research, present at conferences, and contribute to competitive funding proposals and industry partnerships.
• Co‑supervise and mentor graduate and PhD students, supporting a collaborative, inclusive research culture within the School.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold, or be near completing, a PhD in hydrogeochemistry, industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrate research experience in fluid‑rock reactions, carbon mineralisation, or water treatment, including experimental or modelling work.
• Present a strong, peer‑reviewed publication record in relevant fields, commensurate with career stage and opportunities.
• Bring proven project or laboratory management skills, ensuring safe, efficient delivery of complex experimental programmes.
• Collaborate effectively in multi‑disciplinary teams and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse academic and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to student supervision, mentoring, and the development of competitive research funding applications and collaborations.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well‑being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work‑life balance and well‑being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well‑being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Joining the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, you will work within a vibrant, multi‑disciplinary community.

The School unites strengths in geography, geoscience and atmospheric science, with leading expertise in climate change, environmental hazards and Earth system interactions.

As part of the Faculty of Science, you will access world‑class facilities, diverse research networks and strong industry partnerships. You will be supported by an inclusive culture that values Indigenous knowledge, collaboration and impactful science for a better future.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier‑free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at ***********@unimelb.edu.au.

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Ralf Haese at **********@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at **********@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at **********@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Applications close: 19 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.