Full-time, Fixed Term for 12 months (Research)
Salary Academic Level A ($80,755 - $102,047 p.a.) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and the potential to work across other RMIT campuses as required
Make a real impact on Melbourne’s air quality
Join RMIT’s School of Engineering and contribute to a high-impact, government-funded research project improving air quality in Melbourne’s west. As a Research Assistant, you will play a key role in designing and delivering innovative, nature-based solutions to reduce pollution from transport and landfill emissions.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply cutting-edge environmental engineering approaches in real-world settings, working at the intersection of research, community, and industry to create tangible public health and sustainability outcomes.
About the Role
You will contribute to the Air Quality Improvement Precincts project (DEECA-funded) by supporting the design, deployment, and evaluation of dynamic, nature-based air pollution control solutions.
Your work will include:
Field-based air quality monitoring using low-cost sensors
Environmental data collection, analysis, and visualisation
Air pollution dispersion modelling
Supporting citizen science and community engagement initiatives
Producing high-quality technical reports and project documentation
You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, industry partners, and community stakeholders, while building your own research portfolio.
To be successful in this position, you will meet the following Key Selection Criteria:
Experience in air pollution measurement in the field, low-cost sensors, and environmental data analysis.
Experience in nature-based solutions and air pollution dispersion modelling.
Experience in citizen science and community engagement activities relating to air pollution.
Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, design documentation, and project records to support engineering activities and ensure knowledge transfer.
Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, with strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to manage multiple project tasks from design through to testing and delivery.
Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
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
Mandatory: Qualification in a relevant discipline area.
Desirable: PhD in Civil, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering or a cognate discipline
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia to be considered for this position.
About the RMIT STEM College
LEARN! GROW! DO!
Together transforming the world through STEM
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 students are truly work-ready. We have established new hubs of industry-connected digital innovation and endeavour and are engaging with global STEM organisations at scale.
Our diversity and shared values empower our work, and we are proud of the College’s inclusive, caring culture. We offer a safe, dynamic work environment, and support every member of our community to achieve their potential.
For further information about the STEM College please visit the following site:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/stem-college
In STEM we CARE – Collaboration, Accountability, Respect & Empowerment
To Apply
Please click the ‘Apply’ link below and upload the following documents:
Your CV
A cover letter
A separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Professor Aonghus McNabola via email [email protected]
For further information regarding recruitment processes, please contact Jennifer Pham, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email at [email protected] Please do not share your application to this email address.
Position Description – Research Assistant, Air Pollutant Control
Applications Close:24 May 2026 11.59 pmRMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
