Reference Number:
About the Role:
Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) are seeking curious, motivated, science-driven researchers to join a new ARC-funded research program focused on sample-return materials from three of the most scientifically important asteroids in the Solar System: Bennu (NASA OSIRIS-REx), Ryugu (JAXA Hayabusa2), and Itokawa (JAXA Hayabusa1).
This project provides an exceptional opportunity to work closely with NASA, JAXA, and international collaborators on cutting-edge planetary materials—samples that are rewriting what we know about early Solar System processes, parent body evolution, and volatile history.
You will join a vibrant planetary science group at Curtin and have hands-on access to one of the largest and most advanced instrument suites in Australia, including microstructural, geochemical, and geochronology facilities housed within the JdLC. We are looking for people who are genuinely passionate about discovery, excited by meticulous analytical work, and interested in building a long-term academic career in planetary science.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Analyse returned asteroid samples that have been made available for the project using instruments and facilities at Curtin University.
* Work collaboratively with researchers (including PhD students) in the asteroid sample analysis team at Curtin and international research partners.
* Prepare manuscripts and publish findings in peer-reviewed academic journals.
* Communicate research to the broader community, including presentations at academic conferences.
Essential Criteria:
* A PhD in geosciences or planetary sciences.
* Demonstrated experience and proficiency in analytical and sample-characterisation techniques in one or more of: microstructure, petrology, geochemistry, geochronology.
* Demonstrated ability to manage a research project from conception to publication.
* Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team. (Self-motivation in this context includes taking initiative, driving analytical workflows, and progressing research outputs without external prompting.)
* A strong track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, including first-author publications (relative to opportunity).
* Evidence of communicating research to the broader community—e.g., conference presentations, invited talks, media engagement, or public outreach.
Highly Desirable Criteria
* Background in planetary science.
* Experience with astromaterial handling and analysis.
* Post-PhD research experience.
* A publication record that includes papers in leading journals.
Role Requirements:
1. As this is a fixed-term contract, applicants must hold valid Australian work rights for the duration of the appointment. In specific circumstances, visa sponsorship may be considered.
2. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.
Your new Team: Asteroid sample analysis team, Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and John de Laeter Centre
The asteroid sample analysis team include members of the science teams for every sample return space mission of the modern era and are currently members of the NASA OSIRIS-REx mission science team leading the Australian Sample Analysis Team for OSIRIS-REx. The team is part of the Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC) in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS), and the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) at Curtin University.
The Space Science and Technology Centre is the largest planetary science research group in the southern hemisphere. The mission of SSTC is to explore the origins and evolution of the solar system and develop spacecraft systems for real-world missions. For more information about the Space Science and Technology Centre, please visit
The John de Laeter Centre is a core research infrastructure facility for characterisation instrumentation at Curtin, houses over $50M of advanced instrumentation, and is supported by dedicated research infrastructure specialists.For more information about the John de Laeter Centre, please visit
The School of EPS consolidates geology, spatial sciences, advanced analytical techniques, geophysics, planetary science and more, to provide world-class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers, and undertake fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system. For more information about the School of EPS, please visit
About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. 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 -
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
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 demonstrating how your background meets the position's essential criteria (noted above) 2 – 4 pages max
If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.
Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST), Saturday, 17 January 2026.
*Please be aware that Curtin University will be closed following Friday 19th December. The University will reopen on Monday, 5th January. This break will impact all current recruitment processes, and as a result, you may not receive any updates on this process until early January
Late applications or applications received via email 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.