Just as aluminium is the element of possibility, so too, are our current and future employees. When you join Alcoa, you have the opportunity to help define what it means to be a sustainable aluminium company. Our 135-year legacy gives you the systems and tools to thrive. We invented the industry and today we are redefining what it means to be a sustainable aluminium company from mines to metal. We are open, honest, accountable and do what we say we’ll do. We relentlessly pursue outstanding and sustainable results and creatively transform ideas into value. We treat all people with dignity and provide a diverse, inclusive work culture. We work safely, promote wellness, and protect the environment. Come grow your career, collaborate on a global scale and deliver materials essential to the world. Learn more about the endless career possibilities for you at Alcoa!

About the job

This is a rare opportunity to establish yourself within Alcoa’s Refining Continuous Improvement Centre of Excellence (CI COE) team as a Senior Research Scientist. Working alongside our operations, you will be providing a technical research and development service for all areas of operation of Alcoa’s global refining system based in Australia and Brazil.

The Senior Research Scientist/Engineer is accountable for conceiving, planning, leading and executing Bayer process research and development programs, as well as providing technical expertise and project implementation support to Alcoa Refineries globally. This work is aimed at practical delivery of improvements to Alcoa Refinery productivity, efficiency, cost effectiveness, product quality and safety.

Core activities include:

• Ensures on‑going improvement in Alcoa Refinery performance through conception of innovative ideas for new or improved processes, based upon the application of expertise and experience in relevant areas of science and technology (for example extractive metallurgy or chemistry).

• Under the direction of the CI COE management group, plans, implements and leads theoretical, bench, pilot or plant scale research and development programs to determine the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of potential process changes.

• Provides leadership and direction to Research Scientists, Experimental Scientists, Project Officers, Analysts and contractors in the completion of CI COE research programs.

• Protects the health and safety of CI COE staff by ensuring safe working conditions and practices apply, to world best standards, in all work in which they have a role.

• Actively contributes to Alcoa Communities of Best Practice in areas of process knowledge.

• Takes a leading role in providing refinery technical support in areas of process knowledge.

• Provides expert technical input into multi-disciplinary teams in the development and completion of complex research programs.

• Takes leading roles in the successful multidisciplinary implementation of CI COE projects in the refineries.

• Actively seeks new technology and ideas and maintains a constant search for scientific and/or engineering developments which may be of benefit to Alcoa, from all sources.

• Ensures that new processes and products are adequately patented when developed.

This is a Monday to Friday position with one Leisure Day off in every four weeks to help you balance your responsibilities between home and work as well as offering the flexibility on hours to work between site and from home.

About you

To play a part in our ongoing success we are seeking someone with:

• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or similar.

• Demonstrable career experience within Bayer refining, organic chemistry, crystallisation kinetics, modelling growth rates and/or supersaturation dynamics.

• Demonstrated expertise in Research & Development program delivery

• An innovative mind and eye for opportunity

• Leadership qualities and management skills

• Analytical thinker with numerical aptitude and knowledge of statistics

• Strong communication and relationship building skills to be able to engage with a variety of stakeholders across both operational and technical teams

Why Alcoa?

Our values – act with integrity, operate with excellence, care for people, lead with courage – are at the foundation of everything we do.

At Alcoa we strive to create an inclusive workplace where employees can bring their whole selves to work regardless of their background. We know it starts and finishes with you, which is why our value ‘care for people’ is so important to us. It ensures not only your physical safety but also provides an inclusive and welcoming workplace for people from all walks of life, encouraging diversity of thought from each and every person.

We embrace change, new ideas and promote a culture of respect and equal opportunity. Our employment programs are underpinned by diversity and equality and continue to be recognised and rewarded. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women and LGBTIQ+ job seekers.

As an Alcoa employee, you will embark on growth opportunities and can truly make a difference being part of an organisation that respects and considers flexibility whilst empowering you with stimulating and challenging work.

Flexible work arrangements may be considered, please let us know when you apply if this is something you are seeking.

What’s on offer?

• Excellent remuneration package

• Monthly Leisure Day

• Benefits allowance

• Performance related bonus (variable)

• Industry leading superannuation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Novated car lease scheme

• Industry leading parental leave scheme

• Paid volunteer time

• Employee groups including the Social Club, Alcoa Women’s Network, EAGLE (Employees at Alcoa for Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender Equality) and AWARE (Alcoans Working Actively for Racial-ethnic Equality)

Our Locations

Alcoa’s Australian operations represent one of the world’s largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting systems and add value to Australia’s local, state and national economies at every stage. Our Australian operations support approximately 4,370 direct jobs including multiple entry talent pathways/programs, predominantly in regional Western Australia.

Supported by our head office in Booragoon and the Bindjareb Regional office in Pinjarra, our operations include: our world-class Technology Development Centre of Excellence (COE), two bauxite mines in Western Australia (Huntly and Willowdale); three alumina refineries in Western Australia (Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup); one aluminium smelter in Victoria (Portland); two dedicated port facilities in Western Australia (Kwinana and Bunbury); and two Alcoa Farmlands sites in Western Australia (Pinjarra and Wagerup).

Applications close
Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Additional information

• Interviews may progress prior to the closing date, although all applications will be considered.

• You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview, this process can take up to four weeks from the closing date.

• This position is available only to permanent Australian residents or applicants who hold the relevant Visa with authority to work in Australia. Please ensure this information is clearly stated on your application.

Please note that no agency applications will be accepted at this time.

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