CSIRO Engineering Fellowship in Design for Advanced X-ray Characterisation

• Develop a new technology solution linked to the measurement and modelling of mineral processing
• Drive all aspects of an exciting project including the design, manufacture and implementation of a novel reaction chamber in advanced X-ray characterisation experimentation
• Join the CSIRO Mineral Resources Diffraction, Mineralogy and Geochemistry team for this exciting 3-year role

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their Doctorate or Masters and have less than three years of relevant research experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

The CERC Fellow will be a member of the Diffraction, Mineralogy and Geochemistry team of the CSIRO Mineral Resources (CMR) Characterisation Program. 

The CMR Characterisation Program delivers high quality and accurate information to improve understanding of materials across the minerals and energy value chains, from exploration to processing and metal production. The range of state-of-the-art analysis and characterisation capability includes X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, electron/optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, QEMSCAN, particle size analysis and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. 

One of the CMR Characterisation Program’s flagship characterisation capabilities is in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). In-situ XRD involves simulating – utilising bespoke or off-the-shelf reaction chambers – industrial processes/reactions within an X-ray diffractometer for elucidation of mineral phase reaction mechanisms under simulated process conditions. In-situ XRD allows for unprecedented insight into pyro- and hydrometallurgical reactions, to facilitate process design and improvements in efficiency. 

The CERC Fellow’s role will enable the development and application of a novel reaction chamber allowing for in-situ XRD analysis of high-temperature solid-state and/or solid-liquid transformations under reducing conditions. Such capability will be game changing for assisting in the development of new process technologies in fields such as Critical Minerals and Green Steel.