Northern Star Professor in Mining
Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)
Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Lead industry-integrated mining research, and world class mining engineering education, at one of the world’s top-ranked mining schools.
Curtin University is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) as the Northern Star Professor in Mining. Ranked 4th in the world for Minerals and Mining Engineering (QS 2026), WASM sits at the intersection of mining innovation, operational excellence and industry impact. This senior appointment offers the opportunity to shape how the next generation of mining professionals is educated, while leading research that addresses the industry's most pressing challenges.
The Professor will lead excellence and innovation across WASM's undergraduate and postgraduate mining programs, ensuring they remain globally benchmarked, industry-aligned and responsive to emerging priorities including automation, digital mining, decarbonisation and sustainability. A core focus will be strengthening industry-integrated learning to produce well-rounded, work-ready graduates.
The Professor will also develop and lead collaborative research initiatives, building high-impact partnerships with major mining companies, related industries and government agencies, and converting those relationships into sustained research programs, competitive funding, infrastructure investment and measurable industry impact. As a member of the School's senior leadership team, the Professor will mentor early- and mid-career academics, contribute to strategic planning and governance, and play a central role in the continued growth of WASM and the Kalgoorlie campus.
We are seeking candidates with:
- A PhD in mining engineering, robotics, mechatronics, engineering, computer science or a closely related discipline.
- Global research leadership in mining or a related discipline, with a strong record of high-impact collaboration with major mining companies, industry and government.
- Demonstrated success securing independent research funding and attracting major infrastructure investment, with clear evidence of research translation and industry adoption.
- A track record in curriculum innovation and renewal, and in leading undergraduate and postgraduate programs with strong industry integration.
- Proven people leadership, including mentoring early- and mid-career academics and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Why Curtin and WASM? Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2026), and WASM has helped shape Australia's resources sector for well over a century. Operating across Kalgoorlie and Perth, the School offers direct access to active mining operations, enduring partnerships with leading mining companies, equipment manufacturers and technology providers, and significant ongoing investment in new research facilities.
Located in Kalgoorlie, the heart of Western Australia's Goldfields, this role offers a unique platform to shape mining education and research while influencing the future direction of the global mining industry.
Curtin University is partnering with Stanton Chase on this important appointment. Fiona Lavan, Managing Partner Australia is leading this search and conducting confidential discussions with interested parties. Fiona can be contacted via email at f.lavan@stantonchase.com.
Closing date for applications is 5 December 2026.
