Postdoctoral Research Associate – Coral Reef Systems on the Edge

• Full time, fixed term for 3 years, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Geosciences

• Join a cutting-edge, international ARC Discovery project investigating paleoenvironmental change and coral reef ecosystem responses

• Base Salary $109,263 - $121, % superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join a project researching global environmental changes and impacts on coral reef systems. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Jody Webster and Associate Professor Tristan Salles from the Geocoastal Research Group (GRG), Marine Studies Institute, and the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney.

This role is part of a project recently funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) to address critical questions in sea-level change, paleoclimate variability, and coral reef responses.

As the Postdoctoral Research Associate – Coral Reef Systems on the Edge, your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct high-quality research in relevant project areas

• undertake project-wide data and sample analysis, synthesis and curation, and assist CIs with overall project coordination

• lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications relevant to project objectives

• support occasional teaching activities and contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The ARC-funded project is an international collaboration involving a wide network of Australian and international researchers investigating fossil reef systems from across the Indo-Pacific, including the recently drilled International Ocean Discovery Project (IODP) Expedition 389: Hawaiian Drowned Reefs.

Our team brings together expertise in:

1. geochronology, sea-level reconstruction and ice-sheet dynamics

2. geochemistry, paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstruction

3. reef geology and ecosystem response

The overarching project design reflects the highly interconnected nature of the three aims, with the PDRA contributing across all themes. This project will advance our understanding of the conditions that led to reef growth, stress, collapse, and recovery during periods of rapid climate and environmental change, spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales.

The PDRA will be based in the Geocoastal Research Group within the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney.

The School of Geosciences is a dynamic, collegial, and multi-disciplinary community of scholars and students spanning geology, geophysics, marine geoscience, environmental studies and geography. It is internationally recognised for excellence in both research and teaching. Our common passion is to engage in research and teaching that promotes a better understanding of our world and its challenges, addressing key issues facing society including climate change, resource management and sustainability.

The School of Geosciences is firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, improving equity, access and opportunity, and fostering an environment where individuality is welcomed and celebrated

To learn more about the School of Geosciences, click here

About you

The University of Sydney values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. We seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate who demonstrates these values and brings:

• a PhD (or near completion, with thesis submitted) in a relevant geoscience field

• demonstrated ability to conduct research and scholarly activities in the areas of this project under limited supervision

• expertise in at least one of the following: geochemistry, carbonate sedimentology, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, numerical modelling, relational database design, and geological data science

• a strong track record of publications in leading international scientific journals (Q1) and effective scientific communication

• proficiency in one or more coding languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, or equivalent)

• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse research team

Why join us?

This position offers the opportunity to work in a vibrant and internationally connected research environment at the University of Sydney. You will be part of a dynamic team tackling globally significant questions at the intersection of climate change, sea-level dynamics, and coral reef evolution.

As a member of the Geocoastal Research Group and Marine Studies Institute, you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, high-performance computing resources, and extensive collaborative networks across Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations by email to  

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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