ARC Grant Funded Researcher

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

Full time, fixed term contract for 12 months starting in December 2025, with the potential opportunity to extend to the end of 2027

Be part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and contribute to world-leading sustainability research projects.

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) is a world-leading research initiative led by the University of Adelaide. With more than $90 million in funding and over 35 global partners, P4S is revolutionising how we grow plants in extreme environments—from deep space to Earth's most challenging conditions. Through cutting-edge research in crop design, biomanufacturing, and sustainable agriculture, P4S is developing high-efficiency, zero-waste plant systems to support long-duration space missions and future food systems on Earth.

The research will develop fertilisers that support the missions of the P4S research regarding zero waste and using plants as bio-factories. Flow chemistry is a prime approach to manufacture advanced fertilisers. The project will include development of flowchem synthesis core-shell bio-mineral fertilisers methods. Fertilisers to be tested includeleached regolith minerals. A variety of advanced flow chemistry schemes will be explored, includingsheath flow. Outputs will be tested on P4S target crops.

The research will also develop flow chemistry-based extraction of P4S-biomass facilitated by plasma bubble-reactors Plasma-facilitation of biomass extraction has been demonstrated to support the release phytonutrients such as beta carotene and quercetin from algae. Targeted molecules include water-soluble polyphenols, phenolics, and low-molecular-weight phytochemicals, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer health benefits.

Candidates shall demonstrate past expertise and relevant knowledge in the above mentioned research fields

To be successful you will need:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Experience, publications, or knowledge in plasma processing
• Experience, publications, or knowledge in flow chemistry
• Experience, publications, or knowledge in plant growth engineering
• Experience or knowledge, publications, in human space exploration

Desired Characteristics:

• Working knowledge of Gas-liquid plasmas, like the plasma bubble reactor and/or the plasma jet reactor, fertilisers, including controlled release and multi-scale fertilisers, health nutrient extraction from biomass waste, plant growth for space applications, regolith/mineral leaching,
• Familiarity with relevant key analytics, including OES, high-speed camera, (U)HPLC, SEM, and plant growth characterisation
• Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery,and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.

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 providedthroughout 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.edu.au/jobs

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. TheFacultyactively 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, Friday 5th September, 2025

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be an Adelaide University, University of Adelaide or UniSA current employee at the time the position is advertised.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Professor Volker Hessel
Professor in Sustainable Chemical Engineering
University of Adelaide
E: volker.hessel@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full selection criteria below:(If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

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 employercommitted to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and 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.

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