Research Fellow - Soil and Environmental Geochemistry

RMIT University; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

RMIT University in Melbourne invites applications for a Research Fellow – Soil and Environmental Geochemistry. In this full-time, fixed-term 12-month position you will advance research in environmental geochemistry, supervise HDR students, and contribute to teaching up to 10%.

You will work in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering with Associate Professor Dane Lamb, lead field sampling, data collection, publications, and funding bids, while building industry and government

Qualifications

• Expertise in environmental mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil organic matter biogeochemistry.
• Knowledge of mineral–organic interactions and redox/catalytic processes.
• 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 applications.
• Supervise higher degree by research candidates.
• Engage with industry and government partners.

Skills

Soil chemistry

Environmental mineralogy

Soil organic matter

Field sampling

HDR supervision

Education

PhD in Geochemistry

Tools

X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Soil microbiology

Job description

Overview

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 re‑imaging 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.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/stem-college

Position Description

Research Fellow – Soil and Environmental Geochemistry Applications

Close: 18 Nov 2026 11.59 pm

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, 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.

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.