Process/Chemical Engineer - High Temperature Mineral Processing

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Play a key role in guiding impact, capability science and world-class talent within a critical research group 
• Use your collaboration & engagement expertise within CSIRO Mineral Resources’ Process Development team
• Full time specified term of 3 years

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

We have a dynamic and inclusive team within the Green Metals Production group and are seeking applicants for the role of Process/Chemical Engineer – High Temperature Mineral Processing. If you take pride in your interpersonal skills and your ability to apply your process/ chemical engineering, we would love to hear from you.  

As the successful candidate, you will conduct research to increase the technology readiness level of CSIRO’s novel high temperature lithium metal production technology and other green metal production processes in development.

Applications would be assessed across two capability levels, and the successful candidate will be appointed at the level commensurate with their skills and experience, as assessed by the Selection Panel. More information will be discussed at interview stage. 

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Providing professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines and research experience and achievement to formulate, develop and complete an approved research program.
• Responsibility for smaller research projects or elements of larger projects within and/or across Research Units.
• Leading and supervising staff to ensure experiments are established in accordance with the research design and are completed within the agreed timeframes and budget.
• Undertaking feasibility studies, demonstrating a considerable degree of originality, creativity and innovation in solving problems and introducing new directions and approaches.
• Communicating research results to clients and the scientific community through oral and written reports and prepare documentation for patent applications (where relevant).
• Other duties as directed.

Role particulars

Location: Melbourne, VIC .

Salary: AU$114k – AU$153k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule:

• Three year specified term – Full time

Reference: 99701

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

1. A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Metallurgy, Materials Engineering/Science or Chemical Engineering.
2. Proven industrial knowledge and experience in the design and construction of complex systems involving high temperature processes.
3. Familiarity with safety analysis techniques, e.g. HAZOP/HAZAN, and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety in all processes.
4. Evidence of working effectively with multi-disciplinary research teams, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out innovative research autonomously.
5. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills together with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Desirable

1. Demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications. 
2. A good understanding of general flowsheets used to process battery and light metals.
3. Expertise in melt handling and melt containment requirements in high temperature laboratory research.
4. Demonstrated people leadership with ability to attract, retain, empower, and develop professional talent, and to foster inclusivity and high-performance in multidisciplinary groups.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact the TA Partner, Vicki Ferrar on vicki.ferrar@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents or you must hold a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (without the requirement for visa sponsorship).

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.   

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

25 July 2025, 11:59pm AEST