Senior Research Fellow RTCMA – Net Zero Transition Project Lead

• Full-time fixed term until 31st December 2026, with the possibility of extension. Located at the ACFR Research Facilities Little Queen St on the Camperdown Campus

• An opportunity to conduct world-class research in net-zero transition for mining operations

• Join an existing team on a project in partnership with Rio Tinto

• Base Salary Academic Level C $145k package + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity 

We seek a passionate researcher to lead a net zero transition project at the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation. The researcher should have a solid background in operations research, mining, control, stochastic optimisation, power grid design, and statistical analysis. The project aims to use state-of-the-art optimisation, control, machine learning, mine planning, and power engineering techniques to design various tools that facilitate net zero transition for mining sites and processing facilities owned or operated by Rio Tinto.

The project will have a holistic view of energy efficiency optimisation, decarbonisation pathway design, and operation optimisation. The project will consider the entire operation chain, from extracting raw material to port transportation and material processing. Various decarbonisation technologies and their future uncertainties will be considered in a stochastic optimisation framework to design the net zero pathway. The operation design, optimisation and control will involve a variety of time scales and levels of detail. You will work closely with the industry partner, a team of researchers, and software engineers to develop novel tools to assist Rio Tinto in its net zero journey.

In addition to technical expertise, the role will require good management, communication and collaboration skills to work as part of a team. This role will provide an exceptional opportunity to work closely with academia and Rio Tinto at the intersection of fundamental research into mine planning, operations research, stochastic optimisation, and power grid design and optimisation. You will be expected to lead the project, build your research profile in the subject, engage in the academic publication of your research, supervise honours and/or PhD students, and engage directly with the industry partner. This research-focused role does not require a teaching load, but opportunities may be available if desired.

About you

The University values courage, creativity, openness, engagement, inclusion, diversity, and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values. We are seeking excellent candidates for a Senior Research Fellow RTCMA – Net Zero Transition Project Lead who has:

• a PhD in operations research, electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or a related discipline

• demonstrated expertise in mathematical optimisation focusing on mixed-integer multi-stage stochastic and optimisation

• demonstrated expertise in operations research and supply-chain optimisation

• demonstrated expertise in control, including advanced process control techniques such as stochastic model predictive control

• demonstrated expertise in energy management, power grid design and control, power flow analysis, and unit commitment

• demonstrated expertise in mine planning and optimisation, focusing on fleet optimisation and short- and long-term mine planning

• demonstrated expertise in statistical analysis and prediction, focusing on deep-learning techniques for time-series prediction, classification, regression, computer vision and clustering

• understanding of various decarbonisation techniques and their technical, environmental and economic specifications

• excellent software skills, including working with Python and Gurobi or similar for development of novel optimisation algorithms and the underlying process models

• demonstrated ability to work with a software development team to transfer your research into real-world, deployable systems

• experience with mining applications and/or collaborating with industry partners will be highly regarded.

• show a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision, highlighting your self-motivation and research acumen

• present a track record of publications and conference presentations relative to your opportunities, signifying your commitment to advancing knowledge in your field

• prove your ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships, emphasising your teamwork and interdisciplinary skills

• possess strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students, reflecting your capacity to engage with and mentor others

• exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills, enabling you to convey complex ideas and findings effectively.

About us

The  Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation (RTCMA) is a long-term partnership between Rio Tinto and the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney, which was established in 2007. Since its launch, it has become a world-class research group of scientists and engineers, recognised for both fundamental research and delivering technology to industry . The Centre’s research spans automation of equipment, geological interpretation and optimisation of equipment and processes. Funded by the global mining company Rio Tinto, the aim of the Centre for Mining Automation is to develop technologies to transform the mining industry through automation and optimisation of equipment and information, creating safer, more efficient, and more robust processes for a sustainable future in the mining of raw minerals.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all, and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change, which brings opportunities for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the reasons for the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Chris Masaoka, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 31 March 2024 11:59 PM