Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Minerals Processing

Job Description

• Have you got a completed PhD in Minerals Processing and a developing record of quality research?
• Are you an experienced and highly motivated Researcher looking for a 2 year, fixed-term, full-time role?
• Do you have demonstrable knowledge of Minerals Processing with a strong approach to research and leadership?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Robinson Research institute is currently recruiting a Research Fellow/ Senior Research Fellow in Minerals Processing on a 2 year, fixed-term, full-time basis. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Fellow/ Senior Research Fellow with ambition to develop their research career within a R&D environment and the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms. Paihau - Robinson work closely with commercial partners and carry out mission-oriented R&D and you should have the desire to see your work implemented with partners. 

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful candidate will have expertise and R&D experience in some of the following areas:

• Laboratory characterisation of mineral feedstocks via quantitative XRD.
• Physical beneficiation of ROM feedstock to produce mineral concentrates.
• Experimental development of novel cements or ceramics from mineral feedstocks.
• Pilot-scale implementation of mineral-based processes.
• Flow-sheet development and technoeconomic analysis for novel mineral processes.
• Research project scoping, pitching and development.
• Project management of collaborative R&D projects between industry and academia.

Key requirements:

• Hold a relevant PhD.
• Ideally have at least 5 years relevant R&D experience in either industry or research organisation roles. 
• Familiarity and networks within NZ’s minerals processing industries would be advantageous.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

The Robinson Research institute at VUW is one of New Zealand’s leading centres for research and development in advanced technologies. Our Clean Materials Initiative is focused on developing new environmentally benign processes to extract critical metals and other industrial materials from mineral ores, mine tailings and recycled feedstocks. A range of critical minerals can be found within NZ’s unique geography. However – this will require the development of entirely new zero-liquid discharge, zero-CO₂ processes which can meet NZ’s stringent environmental regulations for industrial operations. We work closely with partners in industry government and academia to unlock new economic opportunities for New Zealand along the full value-chain from minerals beneficiation to metallurgical refining.

Kairuruku - Research Fellow Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view on the University career's page.

Kairuruku - Senior Research Fellow Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 05 June 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz).

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we’ve made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.