Job Reference: 735961
John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University
The John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) is a core research infrastructure facility
at Curtin University (https: // jdlc.curtin.edu.au/) with over 14 research
laboratories serving Curtin and the wider community. The JdLC is also
headquarters for the AuScope EarthBank initiative.
EarthBank
EarthBank is an AuScope initiative aimed at transforming geochemical data
production, management, and discoverability across Australia. EarthBank
integrates research and infrastructure across a consortium of Australian
universities, supporting national goals in resource exploration, environmental
monitoring, and geoscientific research.
Your new role
We are seeking a Deputy Director to support the EarthBank Project Director in
managing and coordinating national geochemical data management initiatives.
This is a leadership role with the opportunity to succeed the current Project
Director, positioning the successful candidate as a key national leader in
geochemical infrastructure management. The role offers significant opportunity
to broaden into project management and strategic oversight beyond traditional
research.
This position is based at Curtin University in Bentley, Perth, Western
Australia with some travel throughout Australia required.
We welcome applications from individuals with either an Academic or
Professional background.
Please contact EarthBank Director ([email protected]) for a
confidential discussion. If you have any queries in relation to the
application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option
3,1).
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and coordinate geochemical data management activities across a
consortium of Australian universities, ensuring cohesive data practices
and a unified approach to data governance.
Oversee expert advisory groups and working committees focused on
establishing and implementing data standards, shaping scientific and data
infrastructure priorities, and setting strategic directions for
EarthBank's data initiatives.
Develop and implement robust data models that align with both national and
international standards for data interoperability, accessibility, and
integrity, support publication and dissemination of these standards within
the consortium.
Initiate, supervise, and optimize data preservation and archiving
projects, ensuring long-term security, accessibility, and usability of
valuable geochemical datasets to support future research and open science
principles.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with EarthBank stakeholders,
including government agencies, industry leaders, and international
research bodies, to ensure alignment with external initiatives and broader
geoscientific goals.
Mentor and support early-career researchers involved in EarthBank's
programs, providing guidance in data management best practices and
fostering career development through EarthBank's Geochemistry Fellowship.
Facilitate cross-institutional collaboration by connecting research teams,
standardizing data integration workflows, and ensuring seamless
integration of geochemical datasets into EarthBank's national data
platform.
Contribute to strategic planning and drive the operationalization of new
initiatives, working with EarthBank leadership to align resources, set
priorities, and track progress against consortium goals.
Prepare and present regular reports to the Steering Committee, funding
agencies, and consortium leadership, ensuring transparency in project
outcomes, resource use, and alignment with program objectives.
Why Choose Us?
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working
together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative
research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one
another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life
Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one
percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings.
Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation
contribution (17%) with cash out options, customisable salary
packaging benefits through Paywise; as well as Hotel and Health Insurance
discounts.
Time Well-Spent: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading,
with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from
Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20
days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander
Leave (5 days) , Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus 18%
more observed days off - enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including
Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New
Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
Recognition for Prior Service: Curtin recognises prior service for
long service leave purposes. New Curtin employees may be eligible if
they have worked for an Australian University, public service or other
recognised institution.
Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin
staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2
hours per week of paid time off to engage in university-approved healthy
lifestyle activities.
For more information about our university and benefits, please visit
https: // staff.curtin.edu.au/about-curtin-perth/conditions-benefits/
Join us
Please provide a cover letter, your CV and a separate document outlining the
selection criteria below:
Selection Criteria:
Advanced research experience in geochemistry, Earth Sciences or a closely
related field (PhD preferred but not essential).
Demonstrated leadership interest with a proven track record or
expressed commitment to transitioning from research to project
management, strategic planning, and coordination at a national or multi-
institutional scale.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to establish,
manage, and maintain productive relationships with academic, governmental,
and industry stakeholders.
Strong collaborative abilities and capability to work both
independently and effectively as part of a geographically distributed,
interdisciplinary team.
Technical expertise in data management —including data architecture,
analysis, or scientific infrastructure management—to support large-scale
geochemical or geoscientific data initiatives ( preferred but not
required).
Commitment to data accessibility and standardization , with an
understanding of metadata standards, data curation practices, and open
science principles.
Applications close: Monday, 6 January 2025
Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a
current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and
reference checks. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe
organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working
with Children Check.
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at
this time.
