Research Fellow - Soil And Environmental Geochemistry

Times Higher Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

RMIT University in Melbourne invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term role to advance research in soil and environmental geochemistry within the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. You will work with the Chief Investigator to develop expertise in mineral-organic interactions and mineral-mediated redox processes.

You will plan and deliver high-quality research independently and collaboratively, supervise HDR candidates, manage projects, conduct field sampling, publish

Qualifications

• PhD in Geochemistry, Soil Science or Environmental Engineering.
• Emerging track record with publications and funding.
• Experience supervising HDR candidates.
• Ability to build networks with industry and government.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality research independently and collaboratively.
• Manage projects within timelines and budgets.
• Undertake field sampling and data collection.
• Publish research findings and contribute to funding proposals.
• Supervise HDR candidates and build industry/government networks.
• Teach 10% of time in line with expertise.

Skills

Environmental mineralogy

Soil chemistry

Soil organic matter biogeochemistry

Field sampling

Research supervision

Scientific collaboration

Education

PhD in Geochemistry, Soil Science or Environmental Engineering

Tools

X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Job description

• Full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months with a possible extension
• Salary Academic Level B.1 $ 119,915 p.a. + 17% superannuation
• Primarily based at Melbourne City campus, with work across other RMIT campuses, including Bundoora, as required
• Occasional travel for fieldwork, with the possibility of international travel

About the Role

Advance research in soil and environmental geochemistry within RMIT's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Working with Chief Investigator Associate Professor Dane Lamb, you will contribute your expertise in environmental mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil organic matter biogeochemistry, particularly mineral-organic interactions and mineral-mediated redox and catalytic processes.

You will plan and deliver high-quality research independently and collaboratively, manage projects within agreed timelines and budgets, undertake field sampling and data collection, publish research findings and contribute to competitive funding applications. You will also supervise higher degree by research candidates and build productive networks with academic, industry and government partners.

The role includes a 10% teaching and learning contribution aligned with your expertise. You will bring a collaborative approach, strong communication skills and a commitment to research that expands knowledge in your discipline.

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• Demonstrated expertise in environmental mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil organic matter biogeochemistry, particularly fundamental mineral-organic interactions and mineral-mediated redox and catalytic processes. Experience in X-ray absorption spectroscopy and/or soil microbiology will be highly regarded.
• An emerging track record of quality research outputs and recognition, evidenced by publications, new research initiatives, competitive research funding and industry links.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise higher degree by research candidates.
• The ability to build effective professional networks and develop funding opportunities through liaison with industry and government.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

Mandatory: A PhD or equivalent in Geochemistry, Soil Science or Environmental Engineering

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

About the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering is one of the largest Engineering Schools in Australia. It has over 350 staff and 7000 students, including 750 HDR students. The School is committed to driving innovation and collaboration through our industry partnerships. Our industry partners range from small companies to multinational organisations, and we work together on translating our research into impact for our partners and the wider community.

The School has six Departments:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Environmental Engineering
• Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering

In 2023, the School developed a new strategic plan, which will see an increasing emphasis on engagement with industry and other external partners. The School is developing new industry-led degrees, where our students learn whilst working for companies, as well as innovation hubs where we will co-locate industry partners, our research teams and our undergraduate students.

Over the next three to five years, the School of Engineering will support these new strategic plans through investments in new facilities. This will include reimaging our teaching laboratories, where we will use new digital technologies to enhance the student experience, as well as research labs where partnerships with industry will enable us to maintain leading research facilities. The STEM College is also developing plans for a large new building in the Melbourne City Campus, and the School of Engineering is expected to hold significant space in this new building.

RMIT is a global university, and the School of Engineering has students and research partners across South East Asia and Europe. This includes two campuses in Vietnam, as well as partnerships in Hong Kong, Singapore and we recently entered into a partnership with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India. The School also has a research centre in Barcelona, which provides access to European funding and industry partners. The School will continue to grow our international activities with the aim of becoming a globally connected School that translates technologies and training across continents.

Applications close on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 11.59pm Melbourne time.

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.