(Level A) $102,024 - $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position for 3 years.

To unlock the great potential of hydrogen as a future fuel, a critical challenge is the cost of storage at scale, without significant loss. The most economically viable options for large-scale hydrogen storage are underground, within solution-mined or engineered caverns and depleted sedimentary reservoirs. Substantial research advances are required, to provide answers to questions focused around understanding the impact of geological heterogeneities at a range of scales, both sedimentologic and structural, on the subsurface flow and interactions of hydrogen upon injection and subsequent recovery.

This postdoctoral research associate will work in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Adelaide, with expertise in sedimentology, structural geology and geomechanics, and fluid flow in porous media, to undertake research focused on geochemistry and diagenetic alteration on hydrogen injection and recovery. New facilities at the University of Adelaide that will be leveraged by the research associate include batch reactors with attached bench-top hydrogen generator, CO2 and H2-compatible coreflood facilities, and a geomodelling laboratory.

Two key themes have been identified for this research program: 1) improved assessment of risk to hydrogen recovery posed by carbonate-clastic interbeds and inclusions within salt targets for solution-mined cavern storage of hydrogen, 2) improved understanding of the impact of geomechanical deformation on hydrogen gas-water-rock interactions in hard rock (i.e. excavated caverns) settings. Opportunity for the postdoctoral researcher to further refine and develop research priorities is expected, in collaboration with academic supervisors and the industry sponsor.

To be successful you will need:

• A recent track record of research expertise in geochemistry and diagenetic alteration within the subsurface, demonstrated by publications in international peer reviewed journals.
• A completed PhD with a focus on geochemistry, on a topic directly related to petroleum geoscience or petroleum engineering.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team, collaborating toward goals, contributing to solving problems and developing scientific ideas.
• Experience of conducting research experiments in a laboratory setting, including the design and oversight of experimental research activities.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, and excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to lead author technical and/or scientific writing, and to liase with professional and industry bodies and government.

GeoEnergy Research:

The University boasts one of Australia’s foremost research and teaching teams in the field of GeoEnergy, with a focus on fundamental and applied science and engineering research. The University and bp have signed a AUS$10 million agreement that will support GeoEnergy research, education and outreach activities into the geological storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide over five years. Research funding provided under this agreement will support engineering and science-focused projects, whose research will focus on the safe and economic storage of hydrogen underground and the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide, and includes these post-doctoral research fellowships.

The bp sponsorship includes establishing a new Geomodelling Laboratory facility, operational by mid- 2025, which will be a centre for world-leading research capability that includes a purpose-built lab, experimental equipment and dedicated spaces for research, education, professional development training, and outreach. Facilities will include a state-of-the-art 3D crustal deformation rig, multiple 2D crustal deformation rigs, H2 and CO2 injection visualisation rigs, ‘desktop delta’ stratigraphy rigs and a large stream table.

A unique GeoEnergy and Storage Laboratory facility is also launching in 2025. This contains a CCS Coreflooding system with X-ray scanner, and an Integrated Facility for UHS Studies, comprising a hydrogen-compatible coreflood system, NMR core analyser, high-pressure drop shape analyser and hydrogen-compatible batch reactor.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Your division's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 25th of June 2025.

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be an Adelaide University, University of Adelaide or UniSA current employee at the time the position is advertised.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Mira Rajcevic

GeoEnergy Project Officer

School of Physics, Chemistry & Earth Sciences

Ph – 831 35323

Email - mira.rajcevic@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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