- Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025)
- Based in Kalgoorlie in the heart of WA's most significant mining region
- Join a high-impact geotechnical research project

Job Reference Number:1680589

Curtin University is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join a collaborative industry-focused research project investigating the long-term weathering and strength degradation of sulphide-bearing waste rock and its implications for open-pit slope stability at the Wodgina lithium operation.

About the Role:
Working in collaboration with Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes), the project is supported by Curtin’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, which brings together industry and university research to accelerate innovation and research translation in the resources and critical minerals sector.

Working closely with Curtin researchers and MinRes, you will undertake an integrated program of laboratory experimentation, advanced material characterisation, and numerical modelling to better understand how waste rock properties evolve over time and influence long-term slope performance.

This role presents an exciting prospect to contribute to applied geotechnical research with direct impact on mining operations while advancing innovative approaches to rock mass degradation assessment and modelling.

Reporting to the Project Lead, your responsibilities will include:

- Designing and conducting laboratory experiments to investigate time-dependent weathering and degradation behaviour of sulphide-bearing, foliated meta-sedimentary waste rock.
- Planning and undertaking sample selection, preparation, conditioning and site-relevant geochemical exposure testing.
- Coordinating and interpreting mechanical testing programs to assess changes in stiffness, strength and anisotropic behaviour over time.
- Working with the John de Laeter Centre to integrate mineralogical and microstructural characterisation techniques, including XRD, SEM-EDS, petrography and micro-CT analysis.
- Developing, calibrating and validating discrete element modelling (DEM) approaches to simulate degradation processes and slope behaviour.
- Translating laboratory and modelling outcomes into practical recommendations, including degradation factors, domain susceptibility rankings, monitoring triggers and mitigation strategies.
- Contributing to project reporting, industry engagement and publication of research outcomes.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):

1. A PhD (or thesis submitted and near conferral) in Geotechnical Engineering or Mining Engineering.
2. Demonstrated experience in laboratory testing of geomaterials, rock mechanics or geotechnical characterisation.
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an interest in experimental and numerical research.
4. Demonstrated experience with numerical modelling tools, particularly DEM-based approaches, will be highly regarded.
5. The ability to interpret and integrate complex geological, mechanical and geochemical datasets.
6. Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
7.



Solid written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with academic and industry stakeholders and contribute within a multidisciplinary research team.

Role Requirements:

- As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.
- Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new Team – The Western Australian School of Mines (WASM):
WASM, part of Curtin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, is a globally recognised leader in mining, metallurgy, energy and chemical engineering. Operating from campuses in Perth and Kalgoorlie, WASM combines world-class teaching, research and industry collaboration to address some of the resources sector's most complex challenges, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and real-world impact.

For more than 120 years, WASM has helped shape the global resources industry through research excellence, industry partnerships and the development of future leaders. Ranked among the world's leading institutions for Minerals and Mining Engineering, the School continues to drive innovation in areas including geomechanics, automation, digital technologies, energy transition and sustainable resource development.

To find out more about the school, please visit:
https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/wa-school-of-mines/.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:
At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support.

To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty.

As a university and faculty, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering and make tomorrow better.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments,



or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process can contact our friendly team at [email protected].

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/.

For more information on Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/curtin-2030-strategic-plan/

About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:
This 12-month fixed term full-time ALA level role attracts a remuneration of $108,064 - $115,862 (ALA.6 – ALA.8) + 17% superannuation, and locality allowance.

You may also receive an extra 15 hours (or 2 days) of annual leave each year if you are required to travel to Perth.

Situated at Curtin’s historic Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) campus, our iconic school is located on the doorstep of the flourishing mining industry. The campus offers strong opportunities for staff and students to collaborate with the resources industry in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, in not only traditional metalliferous mining but in the burgeoning battery minerals sector.

To learn more about Kalgoorlie please visit https://study.curtin.edu.au/curtin-life/regional-study/curtin-kalgoorlie/

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

- Up-to-date Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
- A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Thursday, 15 October 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.

📌 Research Associate (Perth)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Perth