Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Process Control, Soft Sensors and Automation in Mineral Processing Full-time

Research Position at Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre

Join the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), a globally recognised leader in mineral processing and geometallurgy research. This exciting opportunity will suit an emerging researcher who is passionate about creating meaningful industry impact through innovative mineral processing solutions.

Working within a collaborative, supportive, and industry-connected research environment, you will contribute to applied research that advances soft sensor development, process modelling, comminution, and process control while building your research profile and professional network.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Maintain and develop expertise in mineral processing research, undertake independent and collaborative research projects, publish high-quality research outputs, contribute to competitive funding applications, deliver experimental test work, and support the development, validation and deployment of soft sensors and process models for industry applications.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, support researcher development activities, and assist with the effective management of research support staff where required.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate behaviours aligned with UQ values, participate in unit priorities and committees, contribute to administrative processes, support colleagues, and build productive relationships with industry, government and professional partners.
• Translation and Industry Engagement: Contribute to knowledge transfer, technology adoption and the progression of research outcomes towards industry implementation and commercialisation opportunities.

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 mineral processing, chemical engineering, metallurgy, mining engineering, or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a Master's degree and significant relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• A growing research profile with evidence of quality research outputs and scholarly contributions.
• Knowledge of the minerals value chain from exploration through to metal production.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying process control solutions within the mineral processing industry.
• Experience in developing soft sensors and process models for mineral processing applications.
• Familiarity with applied process modelling tools such as JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, IES, or similar mineral processing software.
• Programming capability in Python, MATLAB, C++, VBA, or similar languages.
• Evidence of publication in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to research funding applications and industry-engaged research activities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills.

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 g.forbes@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, 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.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66529).