Research Associate

Research Associate in sedimentary ancient DNA applied to palaeoecology

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

Fixed term, full-time position for 33 months

We invite applications for a Research Associate to conduct interdisciplinary research using modern and sediment-hosted ancient DNA, funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project. The position will be based in Earth Sciences (School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences), involving collaboration with the Environmental Genomics Initiative (School of Biology) and the State Herbarium of South Australia. Specifically, the Research Associate will (a) construct and analyse a DNA reference database for the native flora of Kangaroo Island, South Australia; and (b) analyse ancient DNA from sediments on Kangaroo Island to develop novel records of vegetation change over the last 10,000 years.

The project will investigate the interplay between climate, fire, vegetation, and people, involving collaboration with colleagues and students working on sedimentology, geochronology, palynology, isotopes, and organic geochemistry. As part of this team, the Research Associate will contribute to fieldwork and sediment analysis, supervise students, and work towards synthesising the project outcomes to inform sustainable fire management and biodiversity conservation on Kangaroo Island and across southeastern Australia.

To be successful, you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the analysis of ancient DNA from Quaternary (or older) sediments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the bioinformatic processing of DNA data.
• An excellent publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals, relative to experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: botany, fire ecology, landscape ecology, palaeoecology, climate change, paleoclimates, environmental change, or similar.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and communicate across disciplines.

Desired Characteristics:

• Willingness to participate in supervision of undergraduate and/or PhD students.
• Expertise in field botany—plant identification, collection, and curation.
• Experience with lakes/wetlands and wetland sediments.
• Experience in numerical analysis or modelling of (palaeo)environmental data using R/Python/Matlab or similar platforms.
• Experience with sediment analysis, including palaeoecological techniques, sedimentology, radiocarbon dating, and geochemistry.

The path to Adelaide University

We are preparing to open our doors at Adelaide University in January 2026. The university will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, fostering an accessible, future-focused educational environment that promotes research and innovative teaching. Learn more about Adelaide University HERE and additional information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University offers a rewarding workplace with extensive research programs, industry collaborations, and a vibrant academic community. Our research has been rated by the Australian Research Council's Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) as 'above world standard' to 'well above world standard'.

Our culture values diversity, integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence, and discovery. We support flexible work arrangements and offer benefits such as salary packaging, professional development, and on-campus health and fitness facilities. Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of innovative teaching and research, partnering with industries to address global challenges. Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Apply via the 'Apply Now' button, submitting a cover letter, resume, and responses to the selection criteria as outlined in the position description or criteria document.

Applications close at 11:55 pm on 22 September 2025. The university reserves the right to close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is found.

For further information

Contact: Associate Professor Jonathan Tyler
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
P: +61 83132810
E: jonathan.tyler@adelaide.edu.au

Full position description and criteria are available below (view on another device if links do not work).

The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who meet the requirements. Please advise us of any support or access needs at the time of application.