Laser Ablation, Automation and Digitisation Research Scientist

Role type: Full-time; Continuing (Research Contingent) 
Faculty: Faculty of Science 
Department/School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 
Salary: Level of appointment is subject to qualification and experience

Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $110,319)

Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

• Advance state-of-the-art laser ablation and automated analytical geochemistry capabilities in a world-class research environment.

• Create new ICP-MS methods and build capacity at the hardware-software interface, linking novel research capability and capacity building to translational research outcomes and impact.
• Lead the development of automated and digitised analytical geochemistry capabilities, advancing research and collaboration across disciplines and fostering new R&D partnerships and initiatives.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

The University of Melbourne  
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity  
You will advance analytical geochemistry by developing laboratory, automation and digital workflows that generate new and improved research capabilities and build capacity within Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry and across the Melbourne Isotope Analytics Research Platform. Combining specialist analytical expertise with digital innovation, you will help develop new methods, improve data stewardship and accessibility, and build research infrastructure that enables interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to driving R&D, you will also contribute to research partnerships, scholarly outputs and community engagement, helping translate advances in analytical geochemistry into broader research and societal outcomes.

What you will deliver: 

• Develop, optimise and document laboratory, analytical and digital workflows for laser ablation and solution-based mass spectrometric analyses.

• Advance automation, data reduction, quality assurance, imaging and digital pipelines to generate robust, reusable and well-curated research datasets.

• Troubleshoot and improve analytical instrumentation and digital infrastructure, developing new protocols and research capabilities in response to evolving research needs.

• Collaborate with researchers and external partners across academia, government and industry, contributing to research projects, funding proposals, scholarly outputs and intellectual property development.

• Train and mentor students and researchers, develop standard operating procedures, and communicate research capabilities and outcomes to scientific and wider communities.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a PhD in trace element and/or isotope geochemistry or a related discipline, or demonstrate equivalent expertise.

• Bring experience in analytical geochemistry and laboratory protocols, alongside demonstrated digital capabilities in areas such as automated QA/QC, data reduction, imaging, data curation or programming.

• Enjoy troubleshooting technical challenges and developing or improving analytical methods, digital workflows and research infrastructure.

• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively, building productive relationships across multidisciplinary research teams and with academic, industry and government partners.

• Bring strong communication and organisational skills, with an interest in developing an academic specialist career through research outputs, training and engagement with scientific and wider communities.

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you!  
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: 

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 
You will join the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences within the vibrant Faculty of Science. The Melbourne Isotope Analytics Research Platform and its MAG facility blend cutting-edge analytical infrastructure with interdisciplinary scientific collaborations.

You will work alongside experts in geoscience, environmental science and archaeological science, addressing questions across time and space. 

The team values curiosity, inclusion and impact, supporting flexible work and professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.  
    
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected]. 

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you. 

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process. 

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Brandon Mahan at [email protected] 

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). 

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 6 December 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: 

JR-018485 - Laser Ablation, Automation and Digitisation Research Scientist - PD.docx

JR-018485 - Laser Ablation, Automation and Digitisation Research Scientist - PD.pdf