• Based in School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the Waite Campus
• Full-time fixed term contract until February 2031
• Salary Range: (Level A) $103,962 - $111,384 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)
• Work at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, collaborating with leading research and industry partners to develop innovative fertiliser technologies with real-world impact for farmers in Australia and internationally.

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 

We are seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to a multi-party funded fertiliser project, in partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), The Mosaic Company (USA) and Omnia Specialties Australia. The project aims to develop more efficient fertiliser technologies that improve crop performance and deliver better agricultural outcomes in Australia and internationally, with a focus on products that can be scaled up and commercialised for farmers. You will join a collaborative research team investigating microbial–fertiliser and microbial–plant interactions, microbial viability under a range of climatic and handling conditions, and the impact of newly developed products on plant growth and nutrient uptake. The role will involve laboratory and glasshouse-based experimentation, advanced technical methods, data analysis and interpretation, as well as presenting research findings to industry partners and the broader agricultural sector.

Curious to learn more about the project? Explore the GRDC’s Nitrogen mission

The team 

Reporting to Roslyn Baird, Director, Fertiliser Technology Research Centre (FTRC), you will be part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, working alongside researchers, students and industry partners to deliver impactful research in plant–microbe interactions and sustainable agriculture.

Visit the AU website to learn more about The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.

Our people  

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative research environment and is passionate about plant–microbe interactions and their application to sustainable agriculture. With a balance of laboratory and glasshouse-based research, industry engagement and collaboration with the broader agricultural sector, the role offers variety and opportunities to build strong research and industry connections.

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: 

 Qualifications

• a PhD in microbiology with a focus on plant-microbe interactions or have equivalent qualifications.

Experience 

• Evidence of contribution towards research relevant to plant microbe interactions.
• Experience in laboratory and glasshouse based experimental design, including analysis, microbial techniques and interpretation of data.
• Experimental operation of advanced laboratory and technical equipment to enhance research outcomes
• Experience in collaborating with a team of researchers, external industry partners and colleagues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to present research to industry partners and the wider agricultural sector.
• Ability to supervise support staff and research students.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and ability to contribute to the diversity of the school community.
• Understanding of OH and S principles and practises especially related to microbial lab studies.

Desired

• Experience in conducting glasshouse experiments to evaluate plant growth and nutrient uptake.
• Experience with fertiliser chemistry and the fertiliser behaviour in soils.
• An understanding of the broad-acre agricultural production in the context of fertiliser applications and beneficial microbial inoculants.

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 

Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload: 

• your current CV 
• a cover letter

Submit your application by 11:30pm Monday 21 September 2026

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

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493325): 

Simone Patterson 
Talent Acquisition Adviser 
+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au  

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