EarthBank Research Fellow - Geochemical Data Scientist

• Full-time, fixed term to June 2028 (with possibility of extension)
• $118,308 - $140,147 (ALB) per annum, plus 17% superannuation
• John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia

Job Reference: 1044217

About the Role:
Join a pioneering national research initiative at the intersection of geochemistry, data science, and critical minerals. As an AuScope EarthBank Fellow, you will play a key role in a project investigating the periodicity of critical mineral formation across Australia, using archival materials from the Curtin–Geoscience Australia Heavy Mineral Map of Australia project.

Based at the EarthBank node within the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) at Curtin University, you’ll have access to world-class analytical facilities and be embedded within the leadership team advancing the development and application of EarthBank—a national digital platform transforming how geochemical data is collected, curated, and used across research, government, and industry.

We are seeking a capable, adaptable, and collaborative researcher with deep expertise in geochemistry, economic geology, or data science, and a strong interest in working across disciplines. The successful applicant will lead and contribute to interdisciplinary projects that develop scientific data standards, integrate geochemical and geochronological datasets, and generate new insights into Australia’s mineral systems.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead a data-driven research project supporting the development and integration of critical minerals datasets into EarthBank.
• Enhance EarthBank’s translational infrastructure, enabling sophisticated geospatial, isotopic, geochemical and temporal analyses of critical mineral systems.
• Develop and implement data models following FAIR data management guidelines and tools that support scalable, reusable geochemical data infrastructure.
• Collaborate with national and international partners including universities, government agencies, museums, and industry.
• Mentor student interns and contribute to community engagement at the Curtin EarthBank node.
• Contribute to the platform’s growth by co-designing features with users and contributing to interdisciplinary research outcomes.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):

Essential:

• A PhD (or near completion) in geochemistry, geology, data science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, or strong interest in critical mineral systems and geochemistry.
• Proven experience in managing, analysing, and interpreting large scientific datasets.
• A strong publication track record and evidence of successful collaborative research.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python) and familiarity with data science and machine learning techniques.
• Experience with geochemical analytical techniques and working in a laboratory environment.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role . We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new Team - EarthBank:
EarthBank is a $21M AuScope-supported national initiative that connects laboratories, geoscience agencies, and industry to develop next-generation geochemical research infrastructure. Its platform, developed in collaboration with Lithodat Pty Ltd, hosts over 130,000 geospatially tagged samples and supports translational research including digital mineral collections, isotopic mapping, and global plate tectonic reconstruction . EarthBank is shaping how Australia and its partners discover and understand critical minerals in the energy transition era.

We offer:

• Access to exceptional infrastructure: $50M+ of analytical capability at the JdLC and the AuScope EarthBank platform.
• Impactful science: Help transform critical mineral exploration through advanced data science and infrastructure development.
• Professional development: Support to publish, lead projects, and build a national/international profile.
• Work-life benefits: 17% superannuation, generous leave entitlements, wellness initiatives, and study support.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside leaders in geoscience, data infrastructure, and critical minerals.

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:

• Up to 17% superannuation with *possible cash out options, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary), 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).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• 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
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:
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, we offer more than just a job. 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 experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria (noted above) for the role (no more than 2-pages)

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. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Sunday, 3 August 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

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, 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.