Shape the future of mining from Kalgoorlie—where world-class research meets real-world impact in Australia’s resource heartland.

Continuing (permanent) full-time position
$223,135* (ALE) per annum +17% superannuation and an attractive start up package
Kalgoorlie based opportunity (Western Australia)

*Please note, as per Curtin’s 2022-2025 EBA, the salary increase listed above will take effect on 20 June 2025.

Job Reference: 975055  

Who We Are Seeking:

Mining innovation is shaping the future of mining through transforming the industry by enhancing the efficiency, economic viability, and sustainability of mining operations. Digital innovation is playing a key role in this transformation, with developments like automation, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing for increased efficiency while reducing costs and keeping employees safe.

To ensure our students and are being given the education and skills to equip them for this changing landscape, the Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering (WASM:MECE) is seeking an experienced leader with pedagogical strategies impacting student learning outcomes, engagement, and overall academic achievement.

You will also be a driver for change, developing new ideas, implementing new practices and processes, and mentor staff to grow their academic careers in both teaching and research.

This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to shape the future of mining education and development from our Kalgoorlie campus.

Join us and be part of a globally recognised mining school with over 120 years of history whilst working at the epicentre of the mining industry, where innovation meets real-world application.

Your new Team – WASM:MECE:

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join our world class Teaching & Research team, operating from Curtin’s campus in the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie. You will lead research that contributes to sustainable and responsible mining and drive the next wave of mining education, ensuring students are employment-ready for WA’s booming resources sector.

Nestled 600 kilometres east of Perth in the heart of the Goldfields-Esperance region, the dynamic city of Kalgoorlie offers a tapestry of rich heritage, breath-taking outback landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

The backbone of the local economy lies in the mining industry, which boasts a rich mineral base including gold, nickel, lithium, and iron ore. In addition to mining, emerging sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, mining education and innovation, mining processing facilities, and improved transport logistics have been identified as key areas of growth.

Kalgoorlie was established in 1893 during the WA gold rushes. Mining companies established in the Kalgoorlie area work with Curtin to provide students practical, on-ground opportunities as well as research avenues and funding.

For more information about the school, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/wa-school-of-mines/.

Why Kalgoorlie? 

Curtin’s Kalgoorlie campus is an integral part of the university’s resources education and research portfolio. Located in Western Australia’s historic Goldfields, the campus offers:

Direct access to one of the world’s most active mining regions.
Purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities including new hydrometallurgy and geomechanics laboratories.
Strong community connections and a vibrant regional lifestyle with excellent amenities.
Enhanced leave benefits and a 50% rental subsidy for staff living in Curtin-managed accommodation.

Studying and working in Kalgoorlie provides an immersive experience that connects students and academics with the realities and opportunities of the resources industry. The region also presents unique research avenues in sustainability, decarbonisation, and the critical minerals required for a low-carbon future.

Does this sound like you? Do you want to know more?

Please visit https://tinyurl.com/29yc4eut where you will find more details on our School, our Kalgoorlie campus and this exciting role.

Selection Criteria: 

We are seeking a candidate who brings both academic distinction and real-world insight. You will be recognised nationally and internationally for your leadership and contributions to mining engineering. Specifically, you will have:

A PhD in Mining Science, Engineering or a related field.
Significant mine site experience and a deep understanding of best-practice mining operations.
The ability to mentor and inspire staff, ensuring an innovative and high-performing academic environment.
Proven expertise in integrating emerging technologies such as automation and AI into mining education.
A strong understanding of pedagogical theory and contemporary educational practice relevant to the discipline and a record of leading scholarship in teaching.
Demonstrated ability to supervise HDR students.
Demonstrated practical approach to research, including non-traditional publication metrics.
A strong track record in research leadership and securing national / international grant funding.
Outstanding collaboration, networking, and leadership skills to engage with both industry and academic stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability / experience / capacity to undertake unit coordination role.
Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to the development of a collegial and supportive working environment, and the ability to interact with students and staff with cross cultural sensitivity.

Role Requirements:

As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia. We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa. Relocation and visa support may be considered.
Periodic travel between Curtin’s Kalgoorlie and Perth campuses will be required for teaching, research, and administrative purposes.
Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

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 and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people 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.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.  

Additionally, we offer staff 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.  
Paid parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for the non-primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days) plus additional leave entitlements for Kalgoorlie-based staff.     
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
Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions  
Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

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/ 

About Curtin University 

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 - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/  

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 essential selection 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: 22 July 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.  

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. 

CURTIN UNIVERSITY

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