- Based in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus
- Full-time, fixed-term contract until 31 August 2029
- Salary: $103,962 – $111,384 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)
- Contribute to nationally significant research that improves the sustainability and productivity of Australian grain growers

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.

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to contribute to a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) funded project investigating strategies to improve phosphorus (P) use efficiency in high P-fixing soils across the southern and western grain-growing regions of Australia.

Work that matters

The Research Fellow will contribute to a nationally important research initiative focused on improving phosphorus use efficiency and increasing the value of fertiliser inputs for growers managing high phosphorus-fixing soils.

Working as part of a cooperative research team, the Research Fellow will undertake laboratory and glasshouse-based research investigating soil phosphorus dynamics, fertiliser management strategies and approaches to improve phosphorus availability and uptake for crop production. The role will contribute to the foundational research component of the project, including investigating how phosphorus fixation varies with soil characteristics and developing improved approaches for diagnosing high P-fixing soils.

The research will explore the influence of key factors, including crop type, phosphorus application timing and soil moisture, on phosphorus availability and utilisation. Combining laboratory-based research with large-scale paddock trials, the project works closely with growers,



agronomists and industry stakeholders to develop practical, regionally relevant phosphorus management strategies. The Research Fellow will also contribute to research capability development through co-supervision of a PhD candidate and collaboration with researchers and project partners.

Curious to learn more? Visit the GRDC website to discover more.

The team

Reporting to Dr Fien Degryse, Grant-Funded Researcher, within the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, you will join a collaborative research team delivering innovative solutions to some of agriculture's most significant soil fertility challenges. The team works closely with industry, government, grower groups and research organisations to translate world-class research into practical outcomes for Australian 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 combining laboratory research with field-based science and collaborating with researchers, industry and grower groups. Every day presents opportunities to contribute to impactful research, mentor emerging scientists and help deliver practical solutions that benefit Australian agriculture.

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 Soil Science or a closely related discipline.

Essential Experience:





- Demonstrated expertise in soil chemistry, analytical chemistry and laboratory-based soil research.
- Experience designing, conducting and interpreting soil, fertiliser and plant nutrition experiments, including glasshouse studies.
- A strong research track record, including high-quality publications and experience working collaboratively with industry and research partners.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to supervise students and research staff while fostering an inclusive and safe research environment.

Desired:

- Experience in supervising students.
- Experience in radioisotope techniques and the interpretation of isotopic measurements.
- Experience in conducting glasshouse experiments to evaluate plant growth and nutrient uptake.
- Experience in assessing chemical behaviour of fertilisers in soil.

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

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

Submit your application by 11:30pm Monday 31 August 2026

For further information about this chance, please contact (quoting reference number 493308):

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

📌 Research Fellow (Soil Science – Phosphorus Use Efficiency) (Adelaide)
🏢 Adelaide University
📍 Adelaide