Research Assistant/Fellow - Spacecraft Electronics and QA Engineer

Overview:

• Full-time or Part-time (Negotiable 0.5 -1.0 FTE), Fixed Term for 6 months (with a possible contract extension)

• Salary Academic Level A ($76,880 -$104,280 p.a.) or B ($109,770 - $130,355 p.a.) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements

• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

About the Role
Are you passionate about space exploration and plant biology? As part of the ALEPH project, funded by the Australian Space Agency’s prestigious Moon-to-Mars initiative, you will play a crucial role in demonstrating the success of a groundbreaking spaceflight mission focused on plant biology. This project offers the unique opportunity to contribute to space science while advancing your career in a globally recognised research environment.

As a Research Assistant/Fellow, you will conduct independent or collaborative research that will make a meaningful contribution to your area of expertise and gain recognition for advancing knowledge within your discipline at an emerging level.

As a Research Assistant/Fellow, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Drive and execute high-quality research projects that align with RMIT’s strategic focus areas.

• Build and strengthen research collaborations across RMIT and with external partners, both locally and nationally.

• Showcase your expertise by contributing to the success of high-profile research projects, attracting external funding, and publishing impactful results.

• This is your chance to be part of a collaborative team, working on research that could shape the future of spaceflight and plant biology.

To be successful in this position, you’ll meet the following Key Selection Criteria:

• Proven experience in designing, developing, and testing electronic circuits and systems, with a strong understanding of digital electronics and power systems (switch-mode converters), experience with high-reliability components is an advantage.

• Experience in managing supplier relationships, obtaining, and evaluating quotes, and assessing and managing lead times for electronic components. Ability to source and recommend alternative components when necessary, ensuring project timelines and specifications are met.

• Understanding of quality assurance.

• Strong skills in writing detailed component selection reports and other technical documentation, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Hands-on experience with testing electronic circuits using instrumentation such as multimeters, logic probes, oscilloscopes, and debugging tools for embedded systems. Experience in developing and running software for automated testing is highly advantageous.

• Emerging track record and recognition for quality research outputs which will contribute to existing Discipline and School research areas evidenced by publications.

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff, and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Appointment to Level A: Qualification in the relevant discipline area preferably at postgraduate level. 

• Appointment to Level B: PhD or equivalent in relevant field.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About RMIT STEM College

The STEM College holds a leading position and expertise in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM) fields.  We are uniquely positioned to influence and partner with industry, as never before.

STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.

The College is renowned for its exemplary research in many STEM areas including advanced manufacturing and design; computing technologies; health innovation and translational medicine; nano materials and devices; and sustainable systems. Our brilliant researchers attract funding from government and industry sources.

Industry is at the heart of what we do. It ensures our research has real world impact, and our st