Research Associate

Category: Academic Level B

Salary: $117,226 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation

Position: Full-time, fixed term

Location: Callaghan Campus

Direct Appointment Opportunity

The University of Newcastle is seeking expressions of interest for a Research Associate position within the School of Engineering and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals).

Please note: This opportunity is being advertised to support a potential direct appointment and does not constitute a standard competitive recruitment process. Applications will be reviewed by the hiring area, and candidates may be contacted at any stage of the process.

The Opportunity

Working within COEMinerals, you will contribute to research focused on sustainable mineral processing technologies, including flotation, gravity separation and mineral beneficiation.

The role will involve:

• Conducting research and experimental programs in mineral processing and related fields.
• Analysing and interpreting research data.
• Contributing to technical reports, publications and presentations.
• Working collaboratively with researchers and industry partners to support research outcomes and impact.

About You

To be considered, you should have:

• A PhD in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in mineral beneficiation, flotation, gravity separation or related areas.
• Demonstrated research capability and strong communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Job share arrangements will be considered for the right candidates.

About COEMinerals

COEMinerals is a national research collaboration focused on developing innovative and sustainable mineral processing technologies that improve resource recovery while reducing energy, water consumption and waste.

The Centre brings together leading universities, researchers, industry partners and CSIRO to address major challenges facing the resources sector.

About Us

The School of Engineering in one of the most research-intensive Schools within the University. The School consists of four pillars: Chemical and Renewable Energy; Mechanical; Electrical and Civil Engineering. The School is home to the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, a $35M national collaborative centre involving eight universities & international universities, CSIRO, industry partners. 

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.

For more information click here.

Additional Information

• Applicants must have unrestricted work rights in Australia – visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• For enquiries, please contact Annemarie Fawkner, Centre Chief Operations Officer, School of Engineering, at Annemarie.Fawkner@newcastle.edu.au.

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.  

Your application must include:

• Cover Letter (max. 2 page) outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align to the essential requirements of the position.
• Your CV tailored to your discipline.
• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).

Our Assessment Process

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Closing Date: Friday 4 September, 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

Applications will be considered as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted and assessed at any stage of the process.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. 

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

#LI-CP1