Research Associate in Water Quality

Job Description:

Position Details

• 2 Year Fixed Term Contract | Full-Time at 1.0 FTE
• Academic Level A | $83,500 - $101,192 p.a.
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

College of Science and Engineering

At the College of Science and Engineering we believe in the power of science and engineering to solve real world problems. We strive to advance fundamental science, to create new technologies, and to work across discipline boundaries. Our interests scale from the sub-atomic through to entire oceans, forests and beyond. We seek to understand the past, but also to create the world of the future. Our College is an exciting place to research, study, and work, supported by best practice teaching methods, practical work-related learning, and advanced facilities.


About the Role

We have an exciting new opening for a Research Associate in Water Quality in our College of Science and Engineering.

The successful candidate will work within the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation. Led by Flinders University, the Centre has a 5 year research and training program, bringing together 5 universities (3 Australian) and 10 industry partners across four Australian states to deliver innovative biofilm research in collaboration with industry partners in the maritime, water and other industries. The Training Centre will build on local and international expertise to mentor and train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers to develop solutions to improve efficiency in the maritime and defence industries and in water quality monitoring, and health and safety issues related to biofilms.

The Research Associate will undertake research under the direction of the Chief Investigator and under the guidance of the industry partner. The primary aim of the project is the physical, microbial and chemical analysis of industrial water and biofilm samples and to investigate the interactions between different variables.

Working closely with the research team, the Research Associate will:

• Contribute to the planning and execution of research by offering new ideas, reviewing relevant literature and other sources of information, actively participating in the production of data and attending seminars, meetings and conferences.
• Establish and maintain collaborations within the University, and at State, national and international levels in order to improve research outputs, patents and publications.
• Contribute to the coordination, planning and executing the project tasks required to collaborate with industry partners.

About You

You will be flexible, comfortable working in a diverse and changing environment and be open to new learnings and ideas. You will have strong analytical skills, be able to work independently and in a team, and use your initiative to manage multiple projects and prioritise workloads. You will have excellent problem-solving skills which will assist in the development of sound outcomes aligned with the University's needs.

The College of Science and Engineering is open to a candidate with transferrable skills and a strong desire to learn. Experience in Environmental Biology or Chemical Biology is highly regarded. Experience in Water is highly desirable, but not essential.

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• The ability to conduct microbial, chemical and physical water quality analysis, or the demonstrated ability to acquire this expertise in the short-term.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the capacity to collaborate and engage with diverse stakeholders and industry partners.
• Completion of a PhD in Water quality, Microbiology or Chemistry or significant progress towards completion of a PhD in these areas.

Relocation support may be applicable for the right candidate.


Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities and services
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.
• Eligibility to gain an Australian Defence Clearance and meet International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR);
• Potentially attain, and maintain, an Australian Security clearance level NV1 as determined under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Please note that you may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000010457: Research Associate in Water Quality
• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Harriet Whiley
• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) Sunday, 5 May 2024.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

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