• Based in the College of Science in the school of Agriculture food & Wine located at the Waite Campus
• Full-time, fixed term initially offered for three (3) years, with continuation for a further three (3) years subject to a satisfactory mid-term performance review and the successful achievement of the role requirements and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Salary range: Level B - $ 114,917 - $135,932 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 is seeking to attract an outstanding applicant who has the expertise in plant omics for major crops in Australia. Outputs from this investment will lead to new research discoveries related to fundamental understanding of multi-omics particularly spatiotemporal transcriptomics for improvement of abiotic stress tolerance and quality of wheat, barley and grapevine. The role will be for 6 years subject to satisfactory mid-term (36 months) performance review and meeting key performance indicators.

The team

Our team includes leading researchers, educators and industry collaborators, shaping teaching and discovery at Waite campus and beyond. The successful candidate reports to the Professor in Plant Physiology and will be a part of his research team.

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

The Location

Our campuses are home to several co-located industry partners, affiliated researchers, and research institutes of international significance. This innovative community gives students the unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge through participation in ongoing national and international research projects and supports researchers with a rich network for collaboration and partnership.

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 perfect for someone who enjoys variety and meeting new people. You will experience a range of tasks and interactions, keeping your workday interesting and engaging. 

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:

• PhD qualification in agriculture, horticulture, plant biology, or a related discipline, with relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated research excellence in plant biology and omics research, including areas such as single cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, population genetics, and crop science.
• Proven expertise in experimental design, research execution, data analysis, interpretation of results and scientific report writing within plant omics and multi-omics research.
• Strong track record of publications in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals, with demonstrated ability to prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead research projects, build collaborative partnerships, and effectively engage and negotiate with domestic and international industry stakeholders.
• Proven supervision, organisational and interpersonal skills, including the successful supervision of Higher Degree by Research students and a demonstrated commitment to organisational values including integrity, respect, excellence, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated ability to think innovatively and critically, with the capacity to translate research outcomes into practical real-world applications.
• Knowledge of, and established connections within, the Australian grains and/or horticultural industry.

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 that tells us why you’re excited about the role

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11:30pm Monday 15 June 2026

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 Professor Zhong-Hua Chen - zhong-hua.chen@adelaide.edu.au  (quoting reference number 493064):

 Evelyn Ruth
Talent Acquisition Advisor
careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au

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