Job reference: 1675309

Shape the future of one of Australia’s most established corrosion research centres - advancing research that protects critical infrastructure, strengthens industry and responds to emerging national challenges.

Curtin University is seeking an internationally recognised academic leader to guide the Curtin Corrosion Centre through its next chapter of research excellence, industry impact and strategic growth.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a Centre with more than 35 years of expertise, longstanding industry partnerships and specialist research infrastructure found nowhere else in Australia. Building on these exceptional foundations, you will set an ambitious future direction - growing the Centre’s research profile, diversifying its funding and expanding its contribution to areas of national and global significance.

The Curtin Corrosion Centre

Established in 1987 as the Western Australian Corrosion Research Group, the Curtin Corrosion Centre has built an enviable reputation for research that combines scientific excellence with real-world impact.

Its work supports the petroleum, mining, defence, chemical processing, maritime, automotive and biomedical sectors, spanning fundamental research, long-term industry collaboration and practical solutions to complex corrosion and materials challenges.

The Centre is home to advanced research infrastructure supporting high-pressure and high-temperature studies, environmentally assisted cracking, seawater and atmospheric corrosion, microbially induced corrosion, corrosion under insulation, electrochemistry and corrosion inhibitor testing.

Its distinctive capabilities include the EXTREME Laboratory-the only facility of its kind in Australia, enabling testing in sour, hydrogen and mixed-gas environments under extreme pressure and temperature - and Australia’s only laboratory-scale Mono-Ethylene Glycol regeneration and reclamation research facility. The Centre also collaborates with the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering on dedicated tribocorrosion testing and has access to world-class materials characterisation facilities through the John de Laeter Centre.

With an industry-funded Chair and deep, longstanding partnerships across major sectors, the Centre has a powerful platform from which to grow its research in defence, critical minerals, hydrogen, energy transition, renewable energy infrastructure and other emerging areas. Centre staff also contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, industry training and the development of the next generation of corrosion and materials specialists.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of School, you will provide the strategic, academic and operational leadership needed to position the Centre for continued success and sustainable growth.

You will bring people together around a clear and compelling research vision - building on the Centre’s established strengths while opening new pathways for discovery, partnership and impact. A key focus will be growing more sustained, demand-driven research activity through competitive funding, government initiatives, major industry programs and collaborative partnerships.

Working closely with Centre staff and leaders across the School, Faculty and wider University, you will connect complementary expertise and identify opportunities to extend the Centre’s capability into adjacent fields of strategic importance.

You will nurture the trusted industry relationships that have shaped the Centre’s success while developing new connections across government, academia and the broader research community. As the Centre’s lead ambassador, you will raise its visibility and strengthen its position within the national and international corrosion and materials engineering landscape.

In this role, you will:

- Set and deliver an ambitious research vision aligned with Curtin’s and the Faculty’s strategic priorities.
- Diversify and grow the Centre’s funding through competitive schemes, government investment, major industry programs and collaborative research.
- Explore new research opportunities in areas such as defence, critical minerals,



hydrogen and renewable energy infrastructure.
- Build enduring partnerships across industry, government, academia and the wider University.
- Lead and develop academic, professional and technical staff, creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Oversee the Centre’s financial and operational performance, including budgets, workforce planning, infrastructure and reporting.
- Ensure the safe, effective and sustainable operation of the Centre’s specialist laboratories and facilities.
- Strengthen the Centre’s contribution to undergraduate, postgraduate and industry education.
- Support postgraduate research training and supervision, helping to develop future leaders in corrosion and materials engineering.
- Maintain strong research governance and compliance, including requirements relating to work health and safety, foreign interference and export controls.

Selection Criteria

About you You will be a respected researcher and inspiring academic leader with the vision, credibility and relationships to build on the Centre’s proud history and help shape what comes next.

You will bring

- A PhD in corrosion engineering, materials science, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline.
- An internationally recognised record of research excellence and leadership consistent with appointment at Professor level.
- A strong publication record and demonstrated success in securing competitive and/or industry research funding.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that empowers others, creates shared commitment and brings about positive change; demonstrable commitment to the University’s values of respect, integrity, courage, excellence and impact.
- Experience leading and growing a research centre, group or comparable unit, including responsibility for strategy, people, budgets and performance.
- The ability to build trusted relationships and represent the Centre with credibility across industry, government and academic settings.
- Experience in higher education teaching and postgraduate research supervision.

Experience or established networks in defence, critical minerals, hydrogen, renewable energy infrastructure or another area relevant to the Centre’s future growth will be highly regarded. Experience securing funding through major national research initiatives - including ARC Linkage, Trailblazer or Cooperative Research Centre programs - would also be valuable.

Lead the Centre’s next chapter

Corrosion research plays a critical role in the safety, reliability and sustainability of the infrastructure and technologies on which communities and industries depend. As Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a Centre with exceptional people, facilities and industry connections - and translate those strengths into an ambitious program of research, education and collaboration with lasting national and international impact.

Role Requirements

Applicants must hold valid Australian work rights that align with the tenure of the appointment to be considered. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution,



we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

- 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
- Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
- Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
- An extra 15 hours (or 2 days) of annual leave each year if you are required to travel to Perth
- Regional benefits including living allowances and 50% rental subsidy for Curtin‑managed accommodation
- Breastfeeding facilities
- Versatile work arrangements including return to work provisions
- Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better. 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/

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.

Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

What We Offer You

This full-time position attracts a remuneration package of $229,829 (ALE) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. 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 demonstrating how your experience aligns with the leadership capabilities, responsibilities and selection criteria 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. Please note, late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted. Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Friday 30 October 2026 Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.

📌 Director of Curtin Corrosion Centre (Perth)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Perth