Senior Research Fellow - Photon Forge Additive Manufacturing (PFAM) Facility

The John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is a core research infrastructure facility at Curtin University (https://jdlc.curtin.edu.au/). The PhotonForge Additive Manufacturing (PFAM) Facility is a new strategic investment in addition to our existing $50 million fleet of cutting-edge instruments. The PFAM will be at the forefront of Curtin’s science and engineering research and will support the integration of 3D metal printing into diverse sectors such as agriculture, mining, petroleum, defence, and energy.

Your new role:
Curtin University invites applications for a Research Facility Leader position to establish and direct the new Photon Forge Additive Manufacturing (PFAM) Facility within the JdLC. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in the development, management, and advancement of high-performance research instruments and facilities. You will play a critical role in educating and shaping the future generation of engineers, delivering hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge of additive manufacturing applications in industry.
Within the Centre, you will have access to top-tier analytical instruments and a network of research professionals capable of delivering cross-disciplinary collaborations that enhance research excellence and spur innovation.
Your primary responsibilities will encompass team leadership, ensuring health and safety compliance, maintaining high levels of stakeholder satisfaction, and driving business development. Outstanding communication and negotiation skills are essential, particularly for liaising with diverse industry partners and financial stakeholders. The ability to employ critical thinking, foster creativity, and integrate strategic planning with day-to-day operations is vital in this role.
In this role you will: 

• Lead the commissioning, development, and operational management of the PFAM Facility's research infrastructure, ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies and methodologies.
• Devise a comprehensive strategic plan that encompasses technology advancement, research direction, and the establishment of key performance indicators aligned with PFAM's long-term objectives.
• Drive future research by crafting detailed technology roadmaps and fostering robust partnerships with local, regional, and national industrial stakeholders.
• Foster PFAM collaborations within the Faculty of Science & Engineering by promoting interdisciplinary innovation with engineering students and industry partners.
• Oversee the financial management of the facility, including the creation and adherence to budgets, and ensure the regular maintenance of equipment and the efficient use of consumables.
• Prioritize the safe and efficient operation of the Additive Manufacturing facility, managing multiple concurrent projects, steering research to meet deadlines and budgets, and encouraging lab members to pursue innovative approaches.
• Ensure adherence to all pertinent regulations and standards, spanning federal, state, local, and industry-specific guidelines, as well as contractual obligations and university best practices.
• Actively engage in the PFAM Lab’s community outreach by promoting its mission within the university and contributing to student-led research initiatives.
• Initiate and foster project opportunities in conjunction with industrial partners and governmental grant-funding agencies to further PFAM's research impact.

You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact

via [email protected].

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. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.

We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace, offering generous superannuation and salary packaging benefits. We are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.

For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au

Please provide your CV, one page cover letter and a separate three-page document addressing the criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.

Essential criteria:

• PhD degree (or equivalent work experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.
• Demonstrable technical proficiency in various additive manufacturing technologies, particularly metal AM, and hands-on experience operating industry metal AM systems.
• Track record of publication in the area of metal AM research
• Experience in successful research grant writing and/or contract preparation and negotiation in relation to AM research
• Experience in the supervision and completion of training of post-graduate students, industry fellows and/or postdoctoral fellows.
• Ability to translate strategy into specific team objectives, foster collaboration, build trust-based relationships, and engage with leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organisational and time management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop industry/academia teams to obtain research projects through government grant schemes.

• Proven experience establishing or managing a metal AM facility at a university or industry level.
• Evidence of successful industry engagement in metal additive manufacturing
• Experience in undergraduate and graduate teaching
• Experience in project management for technology development and manufacturing industrial products.
• Experience in design for AM, finite element analysis, CAD/CAM, and laser material processing techniques.

To view a copy of the generic Academic Role Statement, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser.

10pm Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), Wednesday 20th March 2024.

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working With Children Check.

If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1) and quote the Job Reference.