• Based in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Mawson Lakes Campus
• Full time, fixed term contract available for 3 years
• Salary Range: Level A (from step 6 - step 8), $102,024 - $109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive. 

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters 

The School of Civil Engineering and Construction is seeking a highly motivated ARC Grant-Funded Researcher to contribute to an industry-linked project developing low-carbon concrete using calcined halloysite, recycled plastic fibres and AI-assisted optimisation. The role will focus on translating polymer and fibre production knowledge into practical concrete technologies, supporting Australia’s transition toward lower-carbon, circular construction materials.

This position will contribute to a nationally significant research program that addresses two critical challenges: reducing the carbon footprint of concrete and repurposing plastic waste into high-value construction materials. The outcomes are expected to support new material development, prototype validation and practical uptake by industry partners.

The team 

This role will report to A/Prof Thong Pham and sit within the School of Civil Engineering and Construction in the College of Engineering and Information Technology. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team spanning structural engineering, sustainable concrete materials, polymer/plastic fibre technology, AI-assisted optimisation and industry translation.

The role will involve close engagement with university researchers, HDR students, technical staff and industry partners, including collaborators involved in recycled plastic fibre production and construction applications. The position is suited to a researcher who can work across both laboratory-based material development and industry-focused implementation.

Visit the AU website to learn more about College of Engineering and Information Technology

Our people  

You will join a collaborative and applied research environment focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The team values technical depth, practical impact and strong engagement with industry, with research activities ranging from material design and fibre treatment to mechanical testing, durability assessment, prototype development and high-quality publication.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience 

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• A PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise relevant to concrete materials, polymer/plastic fibres, fibre-reinforced cementitious composites, or sustainable construction materials.
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary expertise across polymer/plastic materials and civil engineering applications, including the ability to connect fibre production, surface treatment, mechanical behaviour and concrete performance.
• Proven record of high-quality research outputs, with emphasis on quality, relevance and impact rather than quantity, including publications in reputable journals in areas such as fibre-reinforced concrete, recycled plastic/polyolefin fibres, polymer-modified materials, low-carbon concrete or construction materials.
• Demonstrated industry experience or industry-facing research capability in polymer, plastic or synthetic fibre production, including material processing, fibre manufacturing, product development, patents, or commercial application. Experience with recycled plastics or recycled plastic fibres will be highly regarded.

* Assessment will place greater weight on the quality, relevance and translational value of research outputs than on publication quantity alone.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Launch your future with Adelaide University now 

Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload: 

• your current CV 
• a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that tells us why you’re excited about the role 
• a written response addressing the experience listed above

Submit your application by 11:30pm, Friday 7 August 2026.

Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised.

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

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493184): 

Jessica Maslen  
Team Lead – Talent Acquisition
People and Culture
+61 8 8302 1700| careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au 

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