Associate Professor

• Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025)
• Competitive remuneration, 17% superannuation + Generous leave entitlements
• Based at Curtin's Kalgoorlie campus

Job Reference Number: 1493351

Curtin University is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) as an Associate Professor (Teaching and Research) specialising in Experimental Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering and Geomechanics.

This is a strategically critical role that will strengthen WASM’s global leadership in rock mechanics education, research and industry engagement, while supporting long-term academic leadership and succession within the discipline.

Join us and be part of a globally recognised mining school with over 120 years of history whilst working at the epicentre of the mining industry, where innovation meets real-world application.

About the Role:
Based at Curtin’s Kalgoorlie campus, the Associate Professor will provide leadership in teaching, research and industry collaboration in rock mechanics and mining geomechanics. The successful candidate will develop and lead an internationally recognised research program focused on the mechanical behaviour of intact rock, discontinuities and rock masses under complex stress, hydraulic and thermal conditions.

Research will involve advanced laboratory experimentation and field-based investigations, addressing major geomechanical challenges such as excavation stability, ground control, rockburst hazard, and geotechnical risk management in high‑stress mining environments.

The role includes delivering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervising Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, securing competitive research funding, and strengthening WASM’s strong connections with the global mining industry.

This appointment will also contribute to future leadership continuity within the Rock Mechanics group, with scope for the successful candidate to assume broader academic leadership in the medium term.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide academic leadership in teaching, research and industry engagement within WASM
• Develop and lead a competitive, externally funded research program in experimental rock mechanics or geomechanics.
• Conduct advanced laboratory and field research, including high-pressure rock testing, fracture and failure analysis, and geomechanical monitoring.
• Publish high-impact research outputs in leading international journals and at conferences
• Deliver and develop undergraduate and postgraduate courses in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering and mining ground control.
• Supervise honours, Master’s and PhD students.
• Build strong partnerships with mining and resources industry, government and research organisations
• Contribute to academic governance, curriculum development and strategic initiatives within WASM.

Selection Criteria - Who we are looking for:

You will be an internationally recognised researcher and educator with:

• A PhD in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, mining engineering or a closely related discipline.

• The ability to mentor and inspire staff, ensuring an innovative and high-performing academic environment.

• A strong understanding of pedagogical theory and contemporary educational practice relevant to the discipline and a record of leading scholarship in teaching.

• A strong track record of high-impact research and competitive grant success

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental rock mechanics and/or mining geomechanics

• Excellence in university teaching and HDR supervision

• Strong industry engagement and research translation experience

• The capacity to provide academic leadership and contribute to the long-term development of the discipline

Role Requirements:

• As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia. We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Periodic travel between Curtin’s Kalgoorlie and Perth campuses will be required for teaching, research, and administrative purposes.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Your new Team – WASM:
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join our world class Teaching & Research team, operating from Curtin’s campus in the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie. You will lead research that contributes to sustainable and responsible mining and drive the next wave of mining education, ensuring students are employment-ready for WA’s booming resources sector.

Nestled 600 kilometres east of Perth in the heart of the Goldfields-Esperance region, the dynamic city of Kalgoorlie offers a tapestry of rich heritage, breath-taking outback landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

The backbone of the local economy lies in the mining industry, which boasts a rich mineral base including gold, nickel, lithium, and iron ore. In addition to mining, emerging sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, mining education and innovation, mining processing facilities, and improved transport logistics have been identified as key areas of growth.

Kalgoorlie was established in 1893 during the WA gold rushes. Mining companies established in the Kalgoorlie area work with Curtin to provide students practical, on-ground opportunities as well as research avenues and funding.

For more information 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 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
• Flexible 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. 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/

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

What We Offer You:
This continuing (permanent), full time ALD level role attracts a remuneration of $173,635 - $191,099 + a regional living allowance and 17% superannuation.

Curtin’s Kalgoorlie campus is an integral part of the university’s resources education and research portfolio. Located in Western Australia’s historic Goldfields, the campus offers:

• Direct access to one of the world’s most active mining regions.
• Purpose built, state-of-the-art facilities including a geomechanics laboratory.
• Strong community connections and a vibrant regional lifestyle with excellent amenities.
• Enhanced leave benefits and a 50% rental subsidy for staff living in Curtin-managed accommodation.

Studying and working in Kalgoorlie provides an immersive experience that connects students and academics with the realities and opportunities of the resources industry. The region also presents unique research avenues in sustainability, decarbonisation, and the critical minerals required for a low-carbon future.

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 CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au 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: 9.00pm (AWST), Sunday, 24 May 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.