Research Officer - Climate Resilient Sheep Systems

University of Adelaide; Roseworthy; On-site; AUD 84,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Adelaide is seeking a Research Officer to support fieldwork and farm trials in the Climate Resilient Sheep Systems project at Roseworthy. The role includes data collection from livestock and plant species, pasture establishment, and equipment maintenance to support drought-resilience research.

The position is full-time, 24-month fixed-term with a salary range of AU$84,498–AU$93,955 plus 17% superannuation, reporting to the Davies Livestock Research Centre team.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in providing support for research projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outcomes and adherence to project objectives
• Experience managing laboratory and field-based experiments
• Experience working with livestock, in particular sheep
• Knowledge of pastures and / or plants
• Experience coordinating data collection and analysis
• Proven ability to collaborate with academic teams and students, offering technical support to facilitate research activities and enhance learning outcomes
• Experience preparing research reports and documentation

Responsibilities

• Collect and measure data from livestock and plant species across field trials
• Establish and maintain pastures and shrub plantings at trial sites
• Monitor livestock health and welfare; maintain research equipment
• Contribute to data collation, progress reports and project milestone documentation

Skills

Research support

Lab & field experiments

Livestock management

Pastures & plants knowledge

Data collection & analysis

Academic collaboration

Research reporting

Job description

• Based in the College of Sciences, School of Animal and Veterinary Science at the Roseworthy Campus
• Full-time, 24-month fixed-term contract
• Salary Range: $84,498 to $93,955 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 Climate Resilient Sheep Systems project aims to improve the resilience and productivity of sheep in low-rainfall farming systems. Led by Adelaide University and Murdoch University, in collaboration with researchers, farmers and industry partners across Australia, the project focuses on developing practical solutions to strengthen the sustainability of sheep and pasture systems under drought conditions.

As a Research Officer, you will play a hands‑on role in this important research, supporting fieldwork and farm trials across South Australia. Your responsibilities will include collecting and measuring data from livestock and plant species, establishing and maintaining pastures and shrub plantings, monitoring livestock health and welfare, and maintaining research equipment and accurate project records. You will also contribute to data collation, progress reports and project milestone documentation to support the successful delivery of the project.

This varied role offers the opportunity to contribute to research addressing key challenges facing the agricultural industry, helping develop practical approaches to improving agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Australia's low‑rainfall farming regions.

Learn more about the Climate Resilient Sheep Systems project.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description above to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

Reporting to Associate Professor William van Wettere, you will work within the Davies livestock Research centre in the School of Animal and Veterinary Science, collaborating with academic staff, students and external research partners. Visit the AU website to learn more about Davies Livestock Research Centre and The School of Animal and Veterinary Science.

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 a mix of outdoor fieldwork, practical livestock care, plant care and maintenance, and research activities. You will work collaboratively across farm trials and research settings, with opportunities to develop your technical skills, contribute to innovative agricultural research and engage with a diverse range of colleagues and external partners.

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:

• Proven ability in providing support for research projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outcomes and adherence to project objectives
• Experience managing laboratory and field-based experiments
• Experience working with livestock, in particular sheep
• Knowledge of pastures and / or plants
• Experience coordinating data collection and analysis
• Proven ability to collaborate with academic teams and students, offering technical support to facilitate research activities and enhance learning outcomes
• Experience preparing research reports and documentation

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, Tirkangkaku 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.

Thursday 29 October 2026

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Simone Patterson
Talent Acquisition Adviser
[phone] | [e-mail]

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.