Machinery Research Engineer for Sustainable Agriculture

(Level A) $81,293 - $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term position for 36 months.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative researcher to lead advancements in agricultural machinery, contributing to sustainable and resilient farming systems.

This role will drive research and development of cutting-edge agricultural machinery, enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability across key agricultural sectors in South Australia and beyond.

Location: Waite Campus, home to one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural science hubs. This position offers a world-class, multidisciplinary research environment with access to significant infrastructure, collaborative networks, and real-world impact. Applicants will benefit from the University's commitment to diversity, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities to apply for national grants and lead high-impact projects.

Contract and expectations: The position is initially offered on a 3-year fixed-term basis, with renewal subject to performance. The University strongly encourages applications from women and supports flexible working options. Candidates should have a background in engineering or applied science with experience in CAD, numerical modelling (e.g., FEA, CFD, DEM), and a demonstrated ability to translate research into practical solutions. A commitment to diversity, collaboration, and ongoing professional development is essential.

To be successful you will need:

• Masters / PhD in Engineering / Agricultural science or relevant area, or significant and appropriate industry experience.
• Proven experience in design and development of problem-solving engineering solutions to real world problems.
• Demonstrated practical research excellence, including field trial work experience.
• A track record, relative to opportunity, of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated success in attracting and successfully supervising PhD, Masters and Honours students.
• Excellent organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

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

We offer 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. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

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 University jobs not provided in this text.

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.

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, Wednesday, 8th of October 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Chris Saunders

Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Agriculture

School, Agriculture, Food & Wine

P: +61 (0)419 752292

E: chris.saunders@adelaide.edu.au

Full selection criteria available below in the position description or selection criteria document.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

We are 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 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.