Senior Data Scientist

The Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC)

Computation now fundamentally underpins the majority of internationally competitive research across all fields and disciplines. As the demand for computational skills has grown, so too has the need for a dedicated institute that can support the research community.

The Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC) was established to meet this increasing demand for computational modelling, data analytics, and visualisation. It initiates and fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research and education programs with researchers.

Our computational specialists assist in applying computational methods across the sciences, engineering, social sciences, health science, business, and the humanities to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.

Future Batteries Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC)

Responsible sourcing (or generated without compromising economic, social and environmental principles) of battery elements and other critical minerals are increasingly important factors in the entire battery supply chain, especially for end-users of electric vehicles. Australia is regarded internationally as an ethical and sustainable supplier of resources.

The project has two main objectives: i) Provenance: Australian battery mineral and processed chemical database and ii) Traceability: Secure digital platform to visualise, communicate and manage supply chain information. This project will develop tools, systems and platforms that provide transparency within the supply chain and enable supply chain stakeholders to manage risks associated with unethical and unsustainable suppliers.
Your new role

We are seeking a detail orientated Data Scientist to join the FBICRC team, and lead the Curtin Institute for Computation’s component of this high profile project. You will work closely with the John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University to lead the data management and develop a functional solution for high-quality chemical data analytics. This position is critical to the success of the project and influences the development of a novel solutions for chemical fingerprinting and provenance traceability of metal, stable isotopic ratios and trace element profiles.
Responsibilities will include:

• Applying knowledge of chemical processes and data science methodologies to manage isotope and chemical data datasets, and to develop novel methods for tracing trace element profiles through supply chains.
• In conjunction with the FBICRC team and CIC specialists, liaise with project partners and stakeholders to contribute to scoping requirements for and subsequently to deliver a functional data management and traceability solution according to the project scope.
• Being based within the CIC and taking the lead for project’s data management, data analytics and developing a technical provenance traceability solution for access by project partners. 
• Maintain communication with the project lead, project partners and stakeholders throughout the duration of the project, to ensure a common understanding of requirements, regular exchange of project related information and to initiate appropriate action for issues if they arise.
• Participation in project meetings, workshops and contribution to project reporting for the FBICRC.
• Using appropriate project management software initiation, planning and coordination of activities for assigned projects. 

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline with considerable relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• High-level problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong experience in using languages, such as C and/or C++, Python, Perl, or shell scripts.
• Understanding of data science, computational methodologies, algorithm development and data management. In particular knowledge of SQL would be an advantage.
• Expertise in the support and development of scientific computer applications.
• Outstanding interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical clients.
• Well-developed written communication skills with the ability to construct clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to operate autonomously as well as an effective team member.
• A chemistry or physics background and/or demonstrated understanding of isotopic and chemical analysis and their use in provenance would be an advantage.
• Experience with using Atlassian Jira would be an advantage.
• Experience in data visualisation (desirable). 

• Work on real world challenges associated with ethical mineral mining and supply chain traceability
• Easily accessible location with great parking, bus station and end of trip facilities
• The opportunity to grow, develop and diversify your own skill set
• Competitive remuneration package with 17% superannuation

For further information on Curtin’s employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au/jobs/

Work Requirements

• Prior to appointment, the recommended applicant/s will need to have a current criminal record check in accordance with the University's National Police Certificate Assessment Procedures.

Candidates should note that Curtin University has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedures which covers all staff, students, campuses and activities, effective 21 February 2022.

If you are invited to attend the next stage of assessments, you may be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status, including your booster if eligible (or formally granted exemption) upon arrival, and if you are offered a role at Curtin, you will be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination or exemption status prior to commencing employment.

To 

please complete the online application form via the link below, noting we cannot accept resumes sent to the below email address.

Please provide a cover letter and resume that includes sufficient information and examples relating to the relevant selection criteria (outlined above) to allow us to assess your suitability for the role. 

To view a copy of the Position Description for this position, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/sender/?s=download&token=1481716d-a481-489d-aa11-662faadbfda4

Applications close: 9.00pm AWST, Wednesday 18th May 2022 

Contact details

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of the role please contact Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Professor on [email protected]

If you have any queries in relation to the application process please contact our careers team at [email protected].

Inclusion and Diversity at Curtin

We are committed to ensuring that Curtin has an inclusive environment, free from harassment, in which all students, staff and the community feel respected, valued and welcome.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people with disability to participate fully in our recruitment, selection and appointment processes.
We have received recognition in this area:

• Voted one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2019-2020 (Diversity Council of Australia).
• Have become one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Achieved Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation (2018-2022).
• Voted 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019).

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.