Research Fellow in Process Control, Soft Sensors and Automation in Mineral Processing
- The University of Queensland
- Australia, QLD
- Jul 24, 2026
Job Description:
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology / Sustainable Minerals Institute
Full-time fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $119,462.94 - $141,545.09 + 17% super (Academic Level B)
Based at University Mine - Indooroopilly
About This Opportunity
Join the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), a globally recognised leader in mineral processing and geometallurgy research. This exciting opportunity will see you contribute to innovative and industry-connected research that delivers practical solutions to real-world minerals processing challenges.
Working within a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing research environment, you will help advance process modelling, soft sensor development, process control and comminution technologies while building meaningful partnerships with industry and research end users. As part of UQ’s vision of creating change together, you will be challenged, inspired and rewarded while working alongside like-minded experts committed to delivering impactful outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Maintain and develop expertise in mineral processing research, undertake independent and collaborative research projects, deliver outcomes for sponsors, publish high-quality research outputs, contribute to research funding applications, perform experimental test work, and lead the development, calibration, validation and deployment of soft sensors and process models for the minerals processing industry.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, support researcher capability development, provide coaching and feedback, and foster a positive and productive research environment.
Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate leadership through collaboration, actively contribute to internal and external service activities, build partnerships with industry, government and professional bodies, and uphold UQ values.
Translation and Impact: Support the transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to industry through research translation, engagement and the commercialisation of intellectual property where appropriate.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion, or near completion, of a PhD in a relevant discipline area. Applicants holding a Master’s degree with substantial and relevant industry experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated expertise in mineral processing, with comprehensive knowledge of the process chain from exploration through to metal production.
Experience developing and deploying process control solutions for the mineral processing industry.
Demonstrated capability in developing soft sensors and process models for mineral processing applications.
Experience using JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, IES or similar mineral processing modelling platforms.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++ or VBA.
Experience working on mine sites and engaging with industry stakeholders.
Evidence of research achievement through publications, conference presentations, research funding activities and meaningful contributions to internal and external service activities.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Gordon Forbes at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Monday 24 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66528).
For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has created positive change for society by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world.
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Job Description:
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology / Sustainable Minerals Institute
Full-time fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $119,462.94 - $141,545.09 + 17% super (Academic Level B)
Based at University Mine - Indooroopilly
About This Opportunity
Join the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), a globally recognised leader in mineral processing and geometallurgy research. This exciting opportunity will see you contribute to innovative and industry-connected research that delivers practical solutions to real-world minerals processing challenges.
Working within a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing research environment, you will help advance process modelling, soft sensor development, process control and comminution technologies while building meaningful partnerships with industry and research end users. As part of UQ’s vision of creating change together, you will be challenged, inspired and rewarded while working alongside like-minded experts committed to delivering impactful outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Maintain and develop expertise in mineral processing research, undertake independent and collaborative research projects, deliver outcomes for sponsors, publish high-quality research outputs, contribute to research funding applications, perform experimental test work, and lead the development, calibration, validation and deployment of soft sensors and process models for the minerals processing industry.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, support researcher capability development, provide coaching and feedback, and foster a positive and productive research environment.
Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate leadership through collaboration, actively contribute to internal and external service activities, build partnerships with industry, government and professional bodies, and uphold UQ values.
Translation and Impact: Support the transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to industry through research translation, engagement and the commercialisation of intellectual property where appropriate.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion, or near completion, of a PhD in a relevant discipline area. Applicants holding a Master’s degree with substantial and relevant industry experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated expertise in mineral processing, with comprehensive knowledge of the process chain from exploration through to metal production.
Experience developing and deploying process control solutions for the mineral processing industry.
Demonstrated capability in developing soft sensors and process models for mineral processing applications.
Experience using JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, IES or similar mineral processing modelling platforms.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++ or VBA.
Experience working on mine sites and engaging with industry stakeholders.
Evidence of research achievement through publications, conference presentations, research funding activities and meaningful contributions to internal and external service activities.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Gordon Forbes at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Monday 24 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66528).
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