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The opportunity

• Conduct research in developing green Ironmaking routes for Australian iron ores
• Collaborative, flexible, innovative workplace that values you and your career development
• Join CSIRO – Australia's premier research organisation 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

In this position you will undertake research in developing green Ironmaking routes for Australian iron ores. The project aims at developing understanding of how Australian iron ores (particularly, Pilbara Iron ores but not excluding other ores) perform using different green ironmaking routes; notably, Hydrogen Shaft Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) (pellet based), Hydrogen Fluidized Bed DRI (fines based) and Hydrogen Flash Reduction DRI (fine based). The project will focus on fundamental aspects of these processes, such as the reducibility of the ores, the behaviour of gangue materials during processing and deportment of phosphorous into different phases. The project will also examine how these different DRI products would perform in subsequent electric melting furnaces, in terms of melting behaviour and slag generation.

This project will be carried out under the new Swinburne University of Technology / CSIRO joint program on Sustainable Mineral Processing and Green Steel. This partnership was established to tackle global decarbonization with innovative green steel and critical metals research and development. The collaboration will build national research capability across the Australian innovation system to help industry investigate low-emission technologies to guide future demonstrations and industry development. There are great opportunities to initiate individual research projects based on the CERC Fellow’s interests. The CERC Fellow will be working at both the CSIRO site (Clayton, Melbourne, Australia) and Swinburne University of Technology labs (Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia), with most of the sub-pilot plant work being at CSIRO. The successful applicant may need to travel to present research finding to the funding body, at conferences, or visit industry collaborators. 
 

Your duties will include:

• Carry out research in the project according to its research plan.
• Plan and execute relevant research work and data analyses, including modelling, survey and experimental study relevant to the project.
• Work towards broader project objectives; ensuring close liaison with supervisors 
• Contribute to broader research activities and output of the Group with support and guidance, both individually and as a member of a team.
• Maintain a high-quality record of regular and original research publications of high international standing including peer reviewed journal papers.

Location:  Clayton, VIC 

Salary:  AU$96k - AU$105k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years

Reference:  97164

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or related areas. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Ability to design and conduct independent research projects within a broader overall team environment, to identify complementary expertise and initiate appropriate collaborations, and to analyse the status of areas of technology from publications and patents. 
• A thorough knowledge of thermodynamic/kinetics modelling and hands-on experience in high temperature experimentations (kinetics and equilibrium).
• Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work within a diverse team.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

12 August 2024, 11:00pm AEST