Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Evaluate the technical feasibility and efficiency of recovering ammonia from wastewater
• Bring your scientific expertise and stakeholder management skills into a varied role
• Exciting opportunity to join CSIRO – Australia’s premier scientific research organisation!

CSIRO is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Scientist to join our Land and Water business unit and deliver to CSIRO’s Hydrogen Energy Systems Future Science Platform (FSP)!

CSIRO’s FSPs address new scientific challenges for Australia. CSIRO’s Hydrogen Energy Systems FSP targets three impact areas: Next generation production; Novel carrier pathways; and Triple bottom line research (the environmental, social, and economic case for hydrogen energy). The purpose of the FSP is to create new science, capabilities, and technologies across the emerging hydrogen value chain, supporting new Australian industries and large-scale emissions reduction.

In this role, you will evaluate the technical feasibility of recovering ammonia from wastewater centrate as a resource using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPMED); evaluate the effect of process parameters on the efficiency of the process; optimise BPMED configuration and operating conditions; develop efficient fouling control strategies and determine the energy efficiency of the PBMED process. You will bring your research experience in developing new technologies for wastewater & drinking water treatment, contaminant removal and/or value recovery, to lead research projects, liaise with internal & external stakeholders and develop effective research plans.

Your duties will include:

• Leading research on the recovery of resources from wastewater in collaboration with external (e.g., water utilities and other industries) and internal (e.g., FSPs, Missions) stakeholders, and developing innovative technologies for value recovery.  
• Evaluating the technical feasibility and efficiency of recovering ammonia from wastewater using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPMED) and developing innovative strategies to improve process performance.
• Using professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines and research experience & achievement to formulate, develop and complete an approved research program.
• Developing challenging but realistic research plans and negotiating resource requirements with research managers and/or clients.
• Leading and supervising visiting scientists and students to ensure experiments are established in accordance with the research design and are completed within the agreed timeframes and budget.

Location: Perth, WA  (please note this role will commence at the Floreat site and will transfer to Waterford in 2022/2023)
Salary: AU$117K – AU$138K + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years
Reference: 85737

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience, in a relevant field such as engineering, chemistry or microbiology.
• Ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• Demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and client reports, and evidence of national/international recognition from invited/keynote presentations.
• Research experience in developing new technologies for wastewater and drinking water treatment, contaminant removal and/or value recovery.
• Experience in method development and analytical skills for quantifying contaminants/compounds in water/wastewater.
• Proven track record in engaging with clients, attracting research funding and leading projects within timelines and budget.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Please refer to the position description for other special conditions/requirements specific to this role. 

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

30 June 2022, 11:00 pm AEST