Research Associate/Research Fellow

• Based in UniSA STEM at the Mount Gambier campus
• Full-time, fixed term contract 31 August 2030
• Commencement Salary: $103,833 (Level ARAS) $116,843 (Level BRF) plus 17% superannuation

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative expert in Material Science with an emphasis on wood, bringing with you strong research leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement skills.  You excel at translating science into industry impact and driving innovation through your contribution to research publications in your discipline.  You are adaptable, proactive, and committed to improving forest health and wood quality outcomes.

About the role

Based at the regional Mount Gambier campus and reporting to the Director: Forestry Centre of Excellence, this position will contribute to the research efforts of UniSA STEM, in relation to work on wood quality projects for the Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) in Mount Gambier. 

The position supports the wood processing industry in the Green Triangle Region and the State of South Australia.

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.

To be successful you will need

Level ARAS

• A postgraduate qualification in Wood Science or Material Science and with some of experience working in a specialised role in this field
• Publications in refereed journals or other demonstrated scholarly activities
• Expert knowledge of wood chemistry, anatomy and mechanics
• Ability to develop a research program in collaboration with local industry from design through to management

Level BRF

• PhD in Wood Science or Material Science and 3 to 5 years of experience working in a specialised role in this field
• Publications in refereed journals or other demonstrated scholarly activities
• Expert knowledge of wood chemistry, anatomy and mechanics
• Evidence of ability to secure extramural support
• Ability to develop research program in collaboration with local industry from design through to management

Why join us?

We value workplace diversity and are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and respectful work environment for all people. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability.  

Working at the University will provide you with a wide range of benefits. These include:

• Access to great personal development opportunities
• Generous superannuation contributions of 17%
• Flexible working conditions
• A range of salary packaging options, including vehicle leasing, and laptops
• A variety of leave arrangements

Be part of a University for the future

For a copy of the position description and to apply, please visit Working at UniSA. The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.  

Please address your cover letter to Emma Kelvin, Senior Consultant: Recruitment Central.  For further information about the position or the recruitment process, please contact Recruitment Central on or via email at using job reference number

Please note applications will not be accepted via email and must be uploaded via the Working at UniSA Portal.

Applications close: 11.30pm Tuesday 25 November 2025

We are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment process and encourage you to share any support, adjustments and/or access requirements you have by contacting our Recruitment Central team. Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.