▷ Apply Now: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Entomology

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Entomology (A/B)

Job no: 517322
Work type: Fixed term - Full-time
Campus: Adelaide

Salary: (Level A) $81,293 - $109,307, (Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.

Positions: 2 x Full-time fixed term contracts until 30 April 2028.

Overview

The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine seeks to appoint two researchers to conduct research in entomology applied to integrated pest management in agricultural systems of southern Australia. The project, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), will investigate the feeding ecology and economic impact of soil-dwelling invertebrate pests of Australian grain crops, focusing on the European earwig, Portuguese millipede, and isopods (slaters and pill bugs). The aim is to generate knowledge to contribute to the development of management strategies for these pests.

The successful appointees will conduct field and laboratory studies to investigate the biology and pest status of earwigs, millipedes, and isopods in Australian agricultural ecosystems. Research areas include the life history of isopods in cropping environments, endosymbiont infections, interactions between environmental conditions and feeding behavior for key species, crop seedling susceptibility to pest attack, and direct and indirect impacts of pest activity on crop yield and value.

Responsibilities

Research outputs will have academic and applied impacts at national and international scales and will contribute to improving the grains industry’s ability to understand and manage economic risks of the target species. Activities will require trans-disciplinary collaboration within the University and with project collaborators, and significant government and industry engagement. The positions are suited to scientists who enjoy leading research activities and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders in science and industry.

Qualifications

Level A

- A PhD in entomology or a related discipline.
- A track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
- Strong organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in the field and laboratory.
- Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems.
- Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.

Level B

- A PhD in entomology or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
- A strong track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals, patents or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to forge meaningful external relationships with relevant industry stakeholders and professional bodies.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and to initiate and lead research activities, in collaboration with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate research results to a diverse set of academic, industry and lay audiences.
- Ability to work in the field and laboratory.
- Capacity to supervise staff and postgraduate research students for timely completion of projects.
- Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems.
- Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.
- Demonstrated success in attracting external research funding and to initiate and lead research activities, particularly in collaboration with industry.

Other requirements

This position requires a current National Police Clearance or be willing to apply.

Application and contact

To apply, click the Apply Now button and submit a resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability and experience for the position, referring to the selection criteria, in no more than 2 pages.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Kym Perry
Research Fellow
The University of Adelaide
Waite Research Institute
School of Ag. Food & Wine | Entomology Group
P: 08 8313 4167
E: kym.perry@adelaide.edu.au

Closing date: 8 Oct 2025 23:55

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