Research Fellow (A) - Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilisers

Times Higher Education; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Adelaide University is seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to a multi-party funded fertiliser project. You will conduct laboratory and glasshouse experiments to develop more efficient phosphorus and potassium fertilisers aimed at improved crop nutrition for Australian and international farmers.

Reporting to the Director of the Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, you will work in a multidisciplinary team, apply advanced techniques, analyse data, and present findings to industry partners

Qualifications

• Evidence of contribution towards research relevant to the chemical behaviour of phosphorus or potassium fertilisers and/or soil related compounds.
• Experience in laboratory and glasshouse based experimental design, including statistical analysis 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 Wellbeing and Safety principles and practices especially related to laboratory chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and glasshouse experiments to improve fertiliser performance and nutrient release.
• Analyse data and interpret results to inform project decisions and reporting.
• Present research findings to industry partners and the broader agricultural sector.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners to advance scalable fertiliser technologies.

Education

PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or soil chemistry or equivalent qualifications

Job description

• 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.

Join a collaborative research team developing next-generation fertiliser technologies for improved phosphorus and potassium crop nutrition. Conduct laboratory and glasshouse experiments to improve crop performance and support the development of scalable, commercial solutions for farmers.

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.

Workthat 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 and environmental 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 formulating phosphorus and potassium fertilisers, investigating, and optimising their release kinetics in different soils and uptake by crops while examining their behaviour under varying storage and handling conditions. 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 for the efficient delivery of nutrients to crops and the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Visit the AU website to learn moreabout 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 the chemistry of fertilisers and the role of nutrient efficiency in sustainable agriculture. This laboratory and glasshouse-based research role also offers industry engagement and collaboration with the broader agricultural sector.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

Tojoin our community and thrive in this role,you will likely havethe following skills and experience:

Qualifications

• a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or soil chemistry or have equivalent qualifications.

Experience

• Evidence of contribution towards research relevant to the chemical behaviour of phosphorus or potassium fertilisers and/or soil related compounds.
• Experience in laboratory and glasshouse based experimental design, including statistical analysis 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 Wellbeing and Safety principles and practices especially related to laboratory chemicals.

Desired

• Experience in nanotechnologies and/or mechanochemical synthesis methods.
• Experience in fertiliser chemistry and fertiliser behaviour in soils.

Ourcommitment to inclusionand diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebratedand everyone feels respected and valued.Adelaide University isanequal opportunityemployer,committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Westrongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of allages,genders,cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, andgender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible workingarrangementsand providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your futurewith Adelaide Universitynow

Submit your application by11:30pmThursday 12 November 2026

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