Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Nutrient Cycling

• Faculty of Science | School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

• Full-time fixed-term position for up to 3.25 years

• Base salary will be in the range $82, $109, % Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to take the lead in advancing research on potassium cycling to drive more sustainable grain production. You'll investigate how fertiliser potassium behaves across diverse soils in northern and southern Australia, uncovering ways to boost nutrient recovery and efficiency while supporting resilient farming systems.

In this role, you'll work across field sites, glasshouse trials, and laboratory studies, applying techniques like stable isotopes (K-41) and wet chemistry. You'll also have the chance to publish, supervise students, and connect with industry, making a real impact on both food security and environmental outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Design and deliver field, glasshouse, and lab experiments on potassium cycling; publish in high-quality outlets; manage budgets; and translate findings to industry through reports, presentations, and engagement.

• Supervision & Researcher Development: Support and mentor Honours and HDR students, fostering their research and professional growth.

• Citizenship & Service: Contribute to UQ through committee work, collaboration, and community engagement, while building external partnerships with industry, government, and professional bodies.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

• Completion or near completion of a PhD with a focus on soil science, plant nutrition, agronomy, or related area.

• Knowledge and hands-on experience in experimentation in agricultural/environmental systems.

• Experience in analytical techniques in soil fertility/chemistry and plant nutrition.

• Track record of publication of research findings in high-quality peer reviewed journals and conferences.

• Ability to work to deadlines both independently and in a team environment, and an ability to liaise with supporting staff.

• Evidence of industry engagement or the ability to effectively communicate to relevant stakeholders

• High level of personal integrity, transparency, and capability.

• Experience in the use and analysis of isotopes in soils and plants would be considered favourable.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Tim McLaren at  

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Responses to the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Tuesday October 21st, 2025, at 11.00pm AEST (R