(Level A/B) $102,024 to $114,917 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, 3 year full time position 

The Tectonics and Earth Systems Group, led by Professor Collins, is seeking a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with an interest in Proterozoic sedimentology and sedimentary geochemistry to join our team. The successful candidate will work on Proterozoic sedimentary basins in a range of locations including from various parts of Australia, India and other relevant areas to understand both the palaeo-environmental evolution as well as to unravel the redox structure of the water column and investigate geochemical weathering proxies to help build a picture of how past plate tectonics controlled the earth surface systems. The successful candidate will be working on aspects of an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship and a Discovery Project focused on unravelling the middle to late Proterozoic marine water chemistry and implications of this for the evolving earth system. This work is part of a larger ambitious research program to investigate the intersection of plate tectonics, critical metals, and Earth's habitability by trying to better model the Earth’s surface evolution from 1800–500 million years ago.

The successful candidate will be a sedimentary geologist with experience and interest in Proterozoic geology. The candidate will be able to undertake field-based sedimentary geology as well as have demonstrated expertise in sedimentary geochemistry. It is expected that the candidate will have experience in collecting elemental geochemical data and interpreting them in terms of sedimentary processes that may include redox conditions, salinity, weathering conditions and/or biological productivity. The successful candidate will preferably have experience in aspects of isotopic geochemistry applied to sedimentary geochemistry and the evolution of Proterozoic earth systems. There are also opportunities for biogeochemical modelling as part of the position and either some knowledge of, or interest in, this would be ideal.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in earth sciences.
• Demonstrated research ability in sedimentology and sedimentary geochemistry—preferably with expertise in Proterozoic sedimentary systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct collaborative research as a member of a diverse research team that includes research students.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate research outcomes by publication in international journals.

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.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-caliber people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty'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 resume and a cover letter address all the selection criteria.

Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 6 Oct 2025

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:

Professor Alan Collins
Mawson Chair in Geology
E: alan.collins@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

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.