School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering

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Explosive-induced rock preconditioning

Full-time, Fixed term for 2 years (potential extension subject to funding)

Visa sponsorship not available for this position

Based at St Lucia Campus and Indooroopilly research facilities

Undertake fundamental and applied research in the area of blast-induced rock preconditioning applicable to future mining techniques, including, but not limited to:

Managing the operation and maintenance of the preconditioning testing laboratory;

The design and implementation of complex experiments to calibrate and validate modelling studies;

Research and apply of existing or novel instrumentation techniques to measure preconditioning experimental outcomes;

The application of advanced numerical modelling tools associated with explosive-driven rock fracture and fluid flow through fractured geomaterials;

Data-driven interrogation of experimental results to facilitate the physical interpretation of results and the validation and calibration of models.

Document research findings and publish scholarly papers in high-quality refereed international journals, books and conference proceedings.

Attend technical meetings with research sponsors, and present regular research seminars within the group, the School, the Faculty, and to other external stakeholders.

Work with colleagues and postgraduates to develop new research avenues and build collaborative projects within the School, the University, and if relevant to the area of research, other national and international centres and institutes.

Actively seek and gain research funding from internal and external sources including the Commonwealth research granting agencies, the state government and industry.

Lead the operation and maintenance of laboratory apparatus associated with the project.

Contribute to the effective supervision of higher degree by research (HDR) students, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate thesis students.

Assist in the delivery of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, where appropriate, as well as the marking of assessment.

Perform a range of administrative functions in the School, including the regular preparation of reports for the School, industry, and other key stakeholders.

Contribute to the processes that enable the academic team to manage the work of the School, as directed by the supervisor.

Foster the School's relations with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

Contribute to the development of a positive safety culture in the School.

PhD (or thesis submission) in mechanical engineering, civil/geotechincal engineering, mining/petroleum engineering, electrical/electronics engineering or related fields such as experimental physics or instrumentation.

Demonstrated knowledge in the management and maintenance of laboratory facilities; and the development of relevant risk assessments and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Demonstrated knowledge in experimental methods involving geomaterials, and familiarity with geotechnical laboratory instrumentation with emphasis on fast response sensors and high-resolution data acquisition systems.

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues in complex experiments.

An understanding or the ability to rapidly gain knowledge in explosive technology and blast-induced fracturing, including the application of advanced numerical modelling tools associated with this process.

Demonstrated:

Ability to publish in high quality outlets and prepare effective reports that document research findings for both internal and external audiences;

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds;

High-level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;

Ability to prioritise own workload, work independently and meet deadlines.

An ability and willingness to:

Develop a coherent research program and to work effectively with the research group;

Participate in applications for external research funding support;

Supervise honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.

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