Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job no: 0057274
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Department/School: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Salary: Level A.6 – $97,558 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/about/departments/school-of-chemical-and-biomedical-engineering

The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering encompasses both the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This fusion of engineering disciplines provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment that is world leading in both research and teaching.

About the Role
The position will be responsible for managing two projects within the ARC Hub for Nutrients in a Circular Economy (www.nice-hub.org ), where the University of Melbourne is a key partner. The overall goal of these projects is the development and optimisation of technology for the conversion of human urine into market-ready liquid fertilisers. The role is primarily lab-based at Chemical Engineering, UoM. However, a substantial task will be to set-up, commission, run and monitor a pilot plant at a site in Brisbane. The candidate will be required to spend a period of 3-6 months in Brisbane for the start-up phase, followed by regular trips to Brisbane for pilot plant maintenance.

Responsibilities include:

• The role will be responsible for co-supervision of PhD students in the research group, plus supervision of Research Projects for coursework Master students
• Setting up, starting-up and running laboratory experiments for nutrient recovery from urine using electrodialysis, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and microbial electro-concentration as key technology concepts
• Setting up, commissioning and running a microbial electrochemical pilot plant at a public toilet in Brisbane.

About You
You have a sound knowledge of microbial electrochemistry and microbial electrochemical technology, and are skilled with membrane-based separation processes, including nanofiltration and electrodialysis. You are able to work independently with minimal supervision in a laboratory environment, with a solid focus on safety and an ability to manage risks through risk assessment processes. Ideally you are experienced with electrochemical methods, particularly chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry, though this is not essential for your success.

You will also have:

• A PhD in Chemical or Environmental engineering
• Research experience with urine diversion and chemical/physical/biological treatment
• Experience with lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors for wastewater treatment

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining your interest and experience.  Please note that you are not required to provide responses against the selection criteria in the Position Description.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au .

Position Description