Grant-Funded Researcher

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

Full-time, fixed-term position until June 2027.

Help shape the next frontier in dryland farming systems.

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative researcher specialising in farming systems agronomy to join a dynamic, supportive and multidisciplinary team at the University of Adelaide. This role is part of a significant investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to better understand the drivers of profitability and sustainability in farming systems across Australia's Southern Grains Region and to generate new insights to support grower decision-making.

You will play a key role in both supporting and leading the delivery of farming systems research, based on a network of already established field trials to evaluate how crop rotation/sequence, time of sowing and nitrogen management strategies influence profitability (e.g. gross margin) and sustainability (e.g. GHG emissions). You will contribute to the analysis and interpretation of data arising from the network of trials that will provide insights into how changes in cropping system strategies (e.g. with different risk profiles) affects the profitability and sustainability of the system.

The successful candidate will undertake both desktop and field activities. Key activities include:

• Data management, processing, analysis and interpretation to enable robust comparisons between systems within and between environments, and across seasons.
• Contribute to managing one of the trials located at The University of Adelaide's Roseworthy campus, and will undertake activities such as fertiliser application, soil sampling, and a range of plant assessments.
• Liaise with farming systems groups and consulting agronomists who are part of the project.

The project affords opportunities to undertake and publish original research outcomes, and work with leading growers, agronomists and researchers in the grains industry to co-create innovative tools and solutions that will drive real-world impact through improved farm profitability and sustainability. This will provide a strong foundation for advancing a career in agricultural science and research. Other opportunities include student supervision and contributing to other related research projects underway with our colleagues co-located at Waite campus.

This role offers significant opportunities for peer-reviewed publications, collaboration with leading growers, advisors and researchers, and career development in agricultural research. It also offers opportunities for student supervision and collaboration on other related projects with colleagues co-located on Waite campus.

To be successful, you will need:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in agricultural science, agricultural engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience conducting field experiments, including soil and plant sampling and assessment
• Experience effectively managing and processing data
• Ability to analyse and interpret field trials, including using statistical approaches
• Knowledge of Australian dryland farming systems
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, agronomists and growers
• Excellent organisational, communication (verbal and written) and problem-solving skills
• Hold current rights to work in Australia
• An Australian driver's licence

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

The University of Adelaide is 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.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include salary packaging; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

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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.

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

Please click here to view the position description and apply. 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.

Application close 11:55pm, 22 September 2025

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

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Matthew Knowling

Senior Lecturer and Research Program Lead, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

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

The University is 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 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.