The Opportunity

• Opportunity to develop methods and tools for mapping buried geology and mineral deposits
• Bring your hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, regolith and geochemistry skills
• Join the CSIRO Mineral Resources’ Discovery Program!

CSIRO Mineral Resources (CMR) is one of the largest minerals research and development groups globally, with a proud track record in delivering innovation and solutions across the mineral resources value chain. We thrive on innovation harnessed by the diversity of the minds and lived experiences of our team and apply our expert knowledge and specialised research to provide innovation that solves the complex problems faced by minerals companies, mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) companies, government, and other industry stakeholders. 

The role will be based within the Discovery Program focusing on the Sustainable Energy and Resources Challenge, particularly securing mineral resources to enable Australia’s energy transition.

As the Hydrogeologist you will use hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry to sense and identify different lithologies and mineralisation through deep cover. A key focus of this role will be to develop methods and tools for mapping buried geology and mineral deposits by understanding their expression in groundwaters and define and understand the relationships between cover, basement (including depth to crystalline basement) and the regolith.

You will be required to understand the relationships between basement (including basins where appropriate) and regolith through new knowledge of hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry. This will include an improved understanding of element migration processes (physical and chemical) within current landscape environments and translation into element dispersion in palaeolandscapes.

Your duties will include:

• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, often regionally dispersed research team, and business unit to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives;
• Investigate architecture of aquifers within transported cover and in situ regolith for interpreting the physical and chemical signature of buried mineralisation within and beneath the cover sequences;
• Support and conduct innovative research in hydrogeological conceptualisation, statistical and geostatistical analyses for better understanding of groundwater processes, aquifers connectivity and groundwater-surface water exchanges; 
• Conduct experimental studies of the solid and aqueous geochemistry of selected major and trace elements of geological interest to deduce mechanisms responsible for their dispersion (solubilization, mobilization and precipitation) relevant to Australian weathering environments;
• Conduct local to district-scale geochemical orientation and dispersion studies focused on critical mineral deposits;
• Conduct field work in local and remote locations;
• Other duties as directed.

Location:  Kensington, Perth, WA
Salary:  AU$105k to AU$114k pa + up to 15.4% super
Tenure:  3 year specified term
Reference:  93632

To be considered you will need:

1. A PhD (or equivalent experience), preferably in hydrogeology/exploration geochemistry/hydrogeochemistry (or a related discipline), with experience and/or a keen interest in developing exploration methods for regolith-dominated terrains. 
2. Excellent oral, written and presentation skills, with a track record commensurate of opportunity of publication of articles, preferably in international journals.
3. Groundwater modelling and analysis software proficiency (e.g. MODFLOW / Leapfrog / GIS – ARCGIS/QGIS)  
4. Ability to work in multi-disciplinary research teams.
5. A willingness to travel to, and work in the field in Australia, and potentially overseas.
6. Ability to work under limited supervision and adapt to changing circumstances to prioritise and address problems in a constructive professional manner.
7. Demonstrated track record of initiative and communication within a team environment, both internally and externally, and formation and maintenance of effective working relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators. 

Desirable

1. Experience with assessments of water quality (knowledge of or willing to learn hydrochemistry in relation to lithology or mineral exploration understanding).
2. Experience with undertaken hydrogeological assessments including data collection, interpretation of field data, site investigation planning and co-ordination, assisting with aquifer conceptualisation.
3. Understanding of the issues of quality control when outsourcing analyses
4. Experience with the application of the Geochemists Workbench software.
5. Geological assessment and the development of 2D and 3D groundwater models

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible candidates.)

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

16 October 2023, 11:00pm AEDT