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The opportunity

• Great opportunity for an early career researcher with a PhD in polymer physics, biophysics, food science, process engineering or chemical engineering 
• Be supported by a team of experts at CSIRO, Monash University, Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Wageningen University (Netherlands)
• 3-year postdoctoral fellowship based in Melbourne including regular research visits to the ANSTO campus near Sydney

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.

Extrusion of food biopolymers (protein, starch, fibre) can create fibrous structures with meat-like texture, i.e. meat analogues. So far, meat analogues have not been able to deliver an eating experience that convinces meat-eaters to switch to planet-friendly alternatives. The bottleneck slowing meat analogue innovation is a lack of knowledge about the structural and biochemical transformations occurring in the extruder barrel and die.

We aim to establish an experimental platform for in situ small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of extrusion processes. This will involve commissioning a small extruder inside a neutron scattering instrument, and collecting scattering data while the extruder is operated. Advanced machine learning tools will be developed or deployed to extract structural information from scattering data, and conceptual and analytical frameworks developed to build process-structure-function understanding that enables rapid optimisation of product quality.
 

Your duties will include:

• Leading a design and feasibility study for extruder commissioning at ANSTO
• Building a knowledge base by running lab-scale extrusion trials with various conditions and formulations, and analysing extrudate samples offline
• Working with machine learning experts to develop frameworks for automated analysis of scattering data
• Working with biophysics experts to develop conceptual and mathematical models of polymer phase behaviour in extrudates
• Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes

Location: Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria (plus regular 1-4 week duration research visits, several times a year to Sydney)

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

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 97383

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as polymer physics, biophysics, food science, process engineering or chemical engineering. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Expertise in conceptualising and validating structure-function linkages in dynamic, heterogeneous soft material systems. The ability to formulate hypotheses about molecular and structural processes occurring in soft materials at wide-ranging length and time scales, and to explain how these processes interact across structural hierarchies to drive product functionality.
• Experience in advanced characterisation of soft materials, e.g. rheology, microscopy, particle sizing.
• Experience in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments with the purpose of gaining new understandings of a physical system.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

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

2 September 2024, 11:00pm AEST