Level B ($111,031 to $131,335) per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.
Fixed-term, Full time position available for 36 months!
The School of Agriculture, Food & Wine is one of several Schools in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and represents a world-class concentration of scientific research, education and product conferring capability, with infrastructure and resources at the Waite Campus of the University.
The School is the centrepiece of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collection of expertise in plant genomics, crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, soil science, dryland farming, viticulture, and oenology. Research in these areas is targeted towards achieving sustainable agricultural production for healthier and environmentally resilient outcomes; optimising the economic and nutritional value of South Australia’s clean, green food and wine products; and assessing and overcoming current and potential environmental threats to a wide range of crops.
We are seeking to attract an outstanding applicant who has the expertise in plant molecular physiology for major crops in South Australia. Outputs from this investment will lead to new research discoveries related to fundamental understanding of molecular biology, physiology and evolution of plants for improvement of abiotic stress tolerance and quality of crops. Initially, the role will be for 3 years subject to satisfactory performance and meeting key performance indicators. The University is strongly committed to supporting diversity and flexibility in the workplace. We particularly welcome applications from women for this role.
To be successful you will need:
- PhD in plant biology or agriculture with appropriate industry experience
- Demonstrated research excellence in plant physiology, plant molecular biology, phylogeny, molecular evolution, bioinformatics, multi-omics, and programming skills in R and Python.
- Demonstrated experience with the handling and maintenance of crops in field-based and controlled environments, and genetic transformation of cereal crops.
- A strong track record of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals and demonstrated ability to write manuscripts for publication in internationally recognised high quality scientific journals.
- Demonstrable ability to initiate and lead research activities, particularly strong collaboration and negotiation skills with domestic and international industry stakeholders.
- Success in attracting and successfully supervising Masters and Honours students.
- Excellent organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to promote the organizational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, equity, diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.
Desirable characteristics:
- Ability to think innovatively and critically to translate research into real world application.
- Knowledge and connection of the Australian grains viticulture industry.
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
The University is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.
It also enables us to attract high-calibre 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 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, 20 July 2025
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Professor Zhong-Hua Chen
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
E: zhong-hua.chen@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: +61 8 83135728
You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)
The University is 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.
Download the Position Description Apply now
