- 4-year fixed term, full time opportunity
- $139,625 - $160,728 (ALC) per annum, plus 17% superannuation
- Based at the Bentley Campus, Perth, Western Australia
Job Reference: 987367
Lead a ToF-SIMS facility in the JdLC at Curtin University:
Curtin University's John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Fellow to lead our Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) facility. This is a rare opportunity to head a world-class research platform, collaborate with renowned scientists and industry partners, and contribute to impactful multidisciplinary projects.
As the Facility Lead and Research Infrastructure Specialist, you will take primary responsibility for the operation and strategic development of the IONTOF M6 ToF-SIMS instrument, providing expert guidance, high-level training, and scientific leadership in advanced surface analysis techniques. This academic position will have the freedom to drive fundamental and applied ToF-SIMS-related research in a discipline of their choosing.
Your new Team - John de Laeter Centre (JdLC):
Established in 1998, the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is a core research infrastructure facility for characterisation instrumentation at Curtin University, Western Australia. The Centre houses over $50M of advanced instrumentation across 14 individual Facilities which are supported by dedicated research infrastructure specialists. The Centre delivers cutting-edge capabilities across:
- Surface and materials science
- Microanalysis & mass spectrometry
- Isotope geochemistry and geochronology
- Mineral processing and engineering
We enable critical research across sectors including mining and minerals, geochemistry, energy materials, environmental science, forensics, metallurgy and defence. Each year, the JdLC supports:
- Over 500 active researchers
- 60+ demand-driven research projects
- A team of over 30 highly skilled specialists supporting both academic and industry-led innovation
To learn more about the Centre, please visit:
https://jdlc.curtin.edu.au/facilities/tof-sims-facility/
About the Role:
As an emerging senior academic and facility leader, you will play a central role in:
- Driving high-impact research using ToF-SIMS and complementary surface analysis techniques
- Managing and maintaining a state-of-the-art ToF-SIMS facility
- Building and leading collaborative research programs
- Engaging with industry and external stakeholders to support translational research
- Contributing to research grant applications and mentoring early-career researchers
- Collaborating with industry and government partners
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight of the ToF-SIMS facility
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive research culture
- Represent the JdLC in national and international networks
Research
- Develop an internationally competitive research program in surface science.
- Publish in high-impact journals and secure competitive research funding.
- Supervise Honours, Masters, and PhD students.
Service & Facility Management
- Specialise in the operation and maintenance of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (ToF-SIMS), related preparation facilities and software.
- Manage the operational aspects of the ToF-SIMS facility including ensuring compliance with Curtin's Health and Safety Management Standards.
- Develop, upgrade and maintain operating instructions for complex techniques and instruments.
- Collaborate with the JdLC Business Manager on budgeting and reporting.
Teaching
- Deliver workshops and training on ToF-SIMS techniques and associated software.
- Support Curtin teaching programs through guest lectures, lab tours, and research engagement.
Who We're Looking For:
Essential Criteria
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences, Engineering, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in ToF-SIMS operation and surface analysis techniques.
- Strong publication record and experience with grant applications.
- Experience in the supervision and completion of training of post-graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organisational and time management skills, and attention to detail.
- Ability to attract, manage and complete demand driven research project with external organisations and industry.
Desirable:
- Experience managing or establishing a ToF-SIMS facility
- Experience in ToF-SIMS analysis in one or more of the following areas: geochemistry (organic and inorganic), organic-mineral interfaces, forensics, polymers or corrosion studies.
- Strong track record of industry engagement and method development
If you need additional information about the role, please contact Prof William Rickard (JdLC Director) at: w.rickard@curtin.edu.au
Role Requirements:
1. As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. We will also consider candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
2. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction
What We Offer You:
Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, with a reputation for forward-thinking research and a strong focus on real-world impact. By joining the JdLC, you will become part of a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem that:
- Champions innovation and discovery
- Supports professional development and leadership opportunities
- Provides access to world-leading research infrastructure
- Offers a vibrant campus lifestyle in sunny Perth, Western Australia — a top-ranked liveable city with pristine beaches, national parks, and a thriving cultural scene
For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/
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, particularly in STEMM disciplines.
As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women 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.
Additionally, we offer employees 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.
- Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), 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
- Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.
- A vibrant campus, including an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket.
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/
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 section 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. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.
Applications close: Monday, 2 June 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.
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.