Level A ($98,574 to $105,611) per annum plus an employer contribution of up to 17% superannuation applies.
Fixed-term position available for 24 months with a possibility of extension, depending on funding, located at the Waite Campus.
Be part of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon
This Hub aims to develop new plant varieties that enable sustainable production of sugars from crop ‘waste’ (plant biomass) as a base for renewable carbon products. Only now possible through emerging technologies, the Hub expects to translate extensive foundational research and world-leading expertise into cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel. Anticipated outcomes include diversified cropping opportunities for agricultural producers and new industries to convert the biomass to high-volume renewable products. The expected benefits include a decarbonised pathway for Australia’s critical flight, freight and defence connections to world and the substantial economic returns and job creation from new manufacturing capacity in Australia.
Led by the University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide is leading the Biomass Characterisation project theme. This role will develop and run analytical pipelines to deliver detailed plant cell wall characterisation of a range of crops, including sorghum, sugar cane and rice. This will include monosaccharide quantification using HPAEC-PAD, structural analysis of polysaccharides using PACE and MALDI/ESI, and lignin composition using TDA/GCMS. The postdoc will work closely with teams developing engineered plants to develop a deeper understanding of cell wall architecture. This is expected to lead to improved predictive design of biomass crops for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
The postdoc will also co-supervise PhD students and Honours students.
To be successful you will need:
- A completed or nearly completed PhD in Biochemistry, Plant Biochemistry, Chemistry or related subject.
- Demonstrated skills in glycobiology and analytical chemistry
- Demonstrated understanding of plant biology and biochemistry.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, with an ability to communicate scientific ideas to an expert audience.
- A strong work ethic, and the ability to work well independently, and as a member of a broader team, including with industrial partners.
- Ability to travel interstate, overseas and to attend out of hours online meetings with international team members.
- Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable characteristics:
- Experience of handling large sets of samples from multiple collaborators.
- Experience with HPAEC-PAD, mass spectrometry and HPLC systems.
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.
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. As a member of Australia’s G08, the University is recognised as one of the nation’s most respected research-intensive universities, challenging and inspiring graduates to make a real difference. The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million.
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, 13 July 2025
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Professor Jenny Mortimer
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
E: jenny.mortimer@adelaide.edu.au
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.
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