CERC Postdoctoral Fellowship in X-ray Microanalysis

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.

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in a relevant discipline area, such as physics, analytical chemistry, x-ray imaging or similar?
• Develop new analytical methods using our world-class research infrastructure 
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific 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. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with our team of physicists, engineers, data scientists and geologists to develop new analytical methods using our world-class research infrastructure. As a member of the Discovery Program in CSIRO Mineral Resources, you will focus on expanding the capabilities of the Maia Mapper instrument, developed for rapid, high-definition X-ray fluorescence analysis of large geological samples. The Maia Mapper incorporates a high brightness X-ray source and Maia array detector both of which provide unexplored potential for new types of analysis. You will use your background in in X-ray microanalysis or instrument physics to explore what new geological information can be gained from exploiting the large solid angle of the detector, array detector, high X-ray fluxes and event mode scanning provided by this unique instrument. Additionally, the large repository of existing XRF maps with correlative microanalysis datasets will offer a testbed for machine learning and other data analytics approaches as a further avenue of research.

As a CERC Postdoctoral Fellow you will be supported by our world-leading team and use your own individual experiences and ideas to advance your research agenda within the scope outlined above. You will work closely with the Maia Mapper users to develop useful tools that aid research in exploration and orebody knowledge, building collaborative networks both inside and outside of CSIRO.

You will have access to flexible work options, travel, and multiple leave options including paid maternity and parental leave and will have access to world-class facilities based at local universities where CSIRO has collaborative arrangements in place, and at other CSIRO sites across Australia.

Your duties will include:

• Developing a strong understanding of Maia Mapper data acquisition and analysis workflows to outline potential opportunities for new products.
• Work with downstream users to understand what outputs would provide value.
• Expanding analysis capabilities of Maia Mapper and other XRF-based instruments by producing novel analysis methods for new and existing datasets.
• Exploring the potential for using data analytics to improve geological analysis of X-ray fluorescence mapping data.
• Working safely with X-ray and other radiation sources ensuring all required training is maintained and constantly explore the opportunity to improve CSIRO’s safety culture.   
• Recording, managing, and analysing data/information using relevant domain data science techniques.

Location: Perth (Kensington), WA (Whadjuk Noongar Country) or Melbourne (Clayton), VIC (Wurundjeri Kulin Country)

Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 77085

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as physics, analytical chemistry, x-ray imaging, or a related field. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience of developing X-ray based analysis of chemical and physical properties of samples.
• 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.
• A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible onshore candidates). 

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

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. 

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

07 October 2021, 11:00pm AEST