RMIT University

Overview:

• Full-time, Fixed Term Position Available for 3 Years
• Salary Academic Level A6-A8 ($93,413 – $100,269) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

About the Role

Join our cutting-edge research team as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant for the exciting ARC Discovery Project DP240101215, titled ‘Liquid Metal Interfaces – A Novel Platform for Catalysis’. In this role, you'll delve into the computational challenges and opportunities within the project, shaping the future of liquid metal catalytic technology.

Under the guidance of Professor Michelle Spencer, a renowned leader of the Computational Materials Chemistry Group, you will not only enhance your research skills but also gain invaluable experience working alongside esteemed collaborators such as Professor Torben Daeneke, Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking, and Associate Professor Ken Chiang.

This position offers you the unique opportunity to grow professionally, transitioning towards greater autonomy as you develop your expertise. You’ll also play a pivotal role in mentoring research students, and contributing to the nurturing of future scientific talent.

If you're passionate about computational materials research and eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in catalysis, we encourage you to apply.

To be successful in this position, you will meet the following Key Selection Criteria:

• Evidence of experience in performing density functional theory calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations using VASP or a related code to calculate the structure, properties and surface reactions of materials for catalysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in performing calculations using high-performance supercomputing facilities and data analysis related to VASP or similar calculations. This includes analysing and interpreting AIMD simulation data, and structural, electronic, surface and other related properties.
• Evidence of research outputs including publications, conference contributions and/or technical reports in the field.
• Ability to generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
• Ability to work autonomously whilst displaying a strong commitment to work in a team environment, including the demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively work with colleagues, project team leaders, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage varying workloads and respond to changing priorities as required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry.
• Qualifications: PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field.

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

About the School of Science

The School of Science delivers excellence in applied research and education, engaging in strong impactful industry partnerships and producing skilled, industry-ready graduates.

The School employs over 120 academic and 60 FTE research staff across five academic Disciplines (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences; Biosciences and Food Technology; Geospatial Sciences, Mathematical Sciences; Physics).

The School has a diverse research portfolio across science and mathematics with international research excellence in quantum science technologies, advanced materials chemistry and catalysis solutions and in water science, systems and sustainability; in addition to emerging strengths in geospatial technologies, mathematics and future food technologies. Annual research income for the School is around $20 million and the School has just under 400 Higher Degree by Research students.

The School delivers high-quality applied, authentic and active industry-engaged education and teaching to over 2,600 undergraduate- and postgraduate-taught students across 10 ongoing undergraduate and 8 postgraduate programs, in addition to offshore partnerships and delivery, including in China and Vietnam.

Across learning and teaching and research, the School partners actively with industry and external stakeholders in Australia and internationally, delivering innovation, research translation and providing knowledge and real-world solutions for societal good and to enhance sustainable development. The School is strongly committed to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion and seeks also to activate and develop its commitment to reconciliation.

Details of the School can be found at https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/science

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Professor Michelle Spencer via email michelle.spencer@rmit.edu.au

For general queries related to the position, please contact Jennifer Pham – Talent Acquisition Advisor via email Jennifer.pham2@rmit.edu.au 

Position Description – Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Computational Materials Chemistry

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Applications close on Thursday 23rd May 2024 at 11.59 PM.

Applications Close:

23 May 2024 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. 

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. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Kassie (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor), via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au 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.