Research Group Leader - Carbon Steel Materials

The Opportunity

• Demonstrate your leadership skills in this frontline role within CSIRO Mineral Resources
• Play a key role in implementing the strategy of the Mineral Processing research program
• Opportunity to create a dynamic career path in this exciting role

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.

CMR’s Mineral Processing Program is one of the largest mineral processing R&D programs in the world, with ~100 employees, and a long and proud history of undertaking world class R&D with a very strong focus on industrial innovation via technological commercialisation.

As the Research Group Leader, you will implement the vision and strategy of the Research Program, the key elements for CMR and the Mineral Processing program being - mission focussed (Towards Net Zero Emissions-Green Steel and Critical Minerals), industry impact, economic returns to CSIRO, and fewer/larger projects.

You will have an important frontline leadership role in CSIRO's Operating Model. As the Group Leader, you will be focused on impact, capability science, collaboration, and people leadership, and play a critical role supporting the Research Director in the management of the Program's portfolio of projects and research staff.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader with a deep understanding of minerals processing and the minerals industry, its future challenges, and potential solutions. It would suit a creative people leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technological innovation, who can pursue new business models (creation of new companies or IP licensing/royalties), while focussed on the ultimate objective of positive industrial impact.

Your duties and key result areas will include:
Impact Science and Engineering Leadership

• Deliver impact and value to external customers/stakeholders, with a primary focus on domestic iron ore and metallurgical coal producers.
• Manage Group projects including planning, prioritisation, review, and delivery.
• Develop an R&D working environment characterised by science excellence, creativity, innovation, and flexibility.

Capability Leadership

• Strive for ‘Zero Harm’ (physical and psychological) and actively promote a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable workplace.
• Attract, develop, and retain world class talent which will meet current and future needs of the BU, Program and Group.
• Build effective teams and manage career development through effective teams.

Resource Leadership

• Effectively and prudently manage intellectual property assets created and used.
• Manage finance, people, infrastructure/assets, services, and other resources to ensure their effective and efficient use.

Engagement and Partnerships

• Work collaboratively as part of the Processing Leadership Team and share responsibility for holistic program outcomes.
• Engage deeply and openly with external and internal customers, partners, and other stakeholders to deliver current projects and to identify future potentially impactful collaborative opportunities.
• Develop and maintain national and/or international research collaborations and professional networks to keep abreast of emerging advances in relevant science fields.

Location: Brisbane, QLD
Salary: AU$145k to AU$160k pa + up to 15.4% super
Tenure: 3 year specified term
Reference: 90412

To be considered you will need:

• A relevant degree in Science, Engineering or equivalent (e.g., Process/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy).
• Established scientific credentials and reputation in the field of mineral processing, with evidence of effective R&D/innovation leadership or equivalent industry experience, leading to positive impacts.
• Demonstrated people leadership with ability to attract, retain, empower, and develop professional talent, to promote their wellbeing and safety, and to foster creativity in multidisciplinary groups of up to 50 staff.
• Demonstrated ability to generate or co-create innovation opportunities, assess competing opportunities, and manage constraints/opportunity costs when deciding to commit resources.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, presentation and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to identify and influence critical stakeholders.
• A demonstrated commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing of staff, willing to challenge the status quo in pursuit of Zero Harm.
• Alignment with CSIRO values (People first, Trusted, Further together, and Making it real)

Desirable

• A PhD or Masters in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, especially in relation to the management of ambiguous and complex projects, and commercial agreements that reward contribution and risk taking.
• Excellent mineral industry and innovation ecosystem networks.
• Experience with establishing and maintaining domestic and international partnerships with industrial and academic institutions.
• Expertise in the field of the iron and steel value chain.

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 (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.
To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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