Industry Research Assistant/Officer - Multiple Positions

• 2x Part-time or Full-time (Negotiable 0.5– 1.0 FTE), Fixed Term positions until 30 December 2024 (with a possible extension)

• Industry Research Assistant - Salary Academic Level A + 17% Superannuation

• Industry Research Officer - Salary Professional HEW 5 + 17% Superannuation

• Based at the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Port Melbourne, but may be required to work from time-to time at other campuses of the University

Join our team as an Industry Research Assistant (or Officer) to drive impactful research aligned with the University's strategy. Work with increasing autonomy as you grow in skills and experience, collaborating with the DSTG/RMIT Centre for Advanced Defence Structures and Materials Experimentation (CADSME) team.

About the Role

While the selected Industry Research Assistant or Officer (IRA/O) may have limited experience with structures and materials testing, they will eventually be expected to develop unique test protocols and apparatus in response to the research requirements within the Structures and Materials Test Centre at DSTG. They shall also further develop and integrate COTs or bespoke equipment and software to carry out such structural and materials tests. These may range from simple coupons to full-scale structures and may require bespoke test frames/rigs.

The IRA/O will eventually be able to advise on novel and conventional material test protocols and apparatus to clients and be able to enhance test approaches to aid the research and evaluation methods being applied for determining the durability and durability enhancement of structures and materials for the defence land, sea, air, and space domains. To aid in this the IRA/O will receive appropriate on-the-job training, although those with a background in these attributes will be considered highly. As part of the job, tasks will include supporting and exploring novel methods for structural state awareness. The IRA/O will prepare reports and contribute to papers for publication in appropriate fora. Finally, the IRA/O will actively seek the expansion of their skills to grow their capabilities and the capabilities of the test centre outside the test centre core training.

To be successful for the Industry Research Assistant or Officer appointment, you will have (but not limited to):  

• Basic knowledge and limited experience of contemporary structures and material properties experimental standards, methods and tools.  

• Limited experience in developing novel experimental protocols or apparatus for structures and materials tests for either or both metallic or composite materials.

• Ability to independently operate and troubleshoot a range of servo-hydraulic test stands, and/or complex control systems and/or mechanical / materials test apparatus.

• Ability to communicate research results, concepts, and knowledge clearly through discussions, presentations, reports and/or papers.

• Ability to work effectively both as a member of a research team and independently when required, to meet project outcomes and milestones.

Qualifications

• For the Industry Research Assistant position: Progress towards or completion of a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.

• For the Industry Research Officer (Professional) position: Undergraduate qualifications in an appropriate field of engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, Mechatronics, etc.) or be in the final stages of receiving such qualifications. Relevant, post-graduate study or qualification will be highly valued, as will a vocational engineering background with demonstrated ‘hands-on’ capabilities.

Appointment to one of these positions is subject to passing a Working with Children Check, National Police Check, AGSVA security clearance and mandatory compliance training. 

Appointees must be able to gain an Australian security clearance – for this Australian citizenship will be required.

About the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering comprises a diverse range of disciplines: Aerospace Engineering and Aviation; Chemical and Environmental Engineering; Civil and Infrastructure Engineering; Electrical and Biomedical Engineering; Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering; Manufacturing, Materials and Mechatronics Engineering; Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.

As a top 100 University in the world for engineering (2018 QS Rankings by Faculty; Engineering and Technology), RMIT Engineering provides students with work-relevant education programs, access to excellent research facilities and opportunities to engage in creative real-world project work through robust relations with local and international industry leaders.

RMIT Engineering’s education is based on innovation and creativity. Key discipline areas in the School of Engineering provide programs with flexible pathways to global careers or postgraduate research.

Details relating to the School/College Office may be found @ www.rmit.edu.au/seh

Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group - Platforms Division’s (PD) Structures and Materials Test Centre (SMTC)

Platforms Division’s (PD) Structures and Materials Test Centre (SMTC) is a national asset, the largest and best-equipped facility of its type in the Asia Pacific. The SMTC has, in 70+ years of operations, accumulated an impressive record of accomplishment of research and client outcomes. The latter, when measured in repair/refurbishment cost avoidance terms alone, exceeds $1 billion over several programs. The facility retains strong Defence client support and has an active ongoing research program in structures and materials experimentation.

The SMTC provides Defence clients with innovative testing solutions to their sustainment and certification requirements and is a key driver of academic research and training of the future Defence Industry science, engineering and technical workforce.

To Apply 

Please submit your CV, cover letter, and separately address the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link below.

Please indicate your preference for the Assistant or Officer role and your availability for part-time or full-time work in your Cover Letter.

For further information about these positions, please see the Position Descriptions hyperlinked below or contact via email Michael Jones - Senior Industry Research Fellow via email [email protected]

• Position Description – Industry Research Officer

• Position Description – Industry Research Assistant

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Descriptions at the bottom of the page.

Applications close on Tuesday 30 April 2024 at 11.59pm.

Applications Close:
30 Apr 2024 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to  being  a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Isla n der community.  

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Kassie (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor), via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers .

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