Associate Research Professor or Research Professor

• Based in UniSA STEM at the Mawson Lakes campus
• Full-time, five (5) year fixed term contract
• Commencement Salary: $170,582 (Level DARP) $218,667 (Level ERP) per annum plus 17% superannuation

About you

You are a distinguished researcher and leader with a strong commitment to advancing environmental microbiology and antimicrobial resistance. You demonstrate excellence in collaborative research, strategic engagement with industry and government, and impactful scholarly contributions. You foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and mentorship through high-level academic and community engagement.

About the role

Working in partnership with the Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (SAAFE), this position will make original, innovative and distinguished contributions to research aligned with the priorities of SAAFE and its multi-sectoral industry consortium. With expertise in areas such as One Health Antimicrobial Resistance, Waterborne/Foodborne Communicable Disease, Microbial Risk Assessment, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Health/Engineering, and Policy and Guideline Development they will collaborate with other SAAFE research leaders and spearhead innovation and national capacity building in mitigating antimicrobial resistance. 

The Associate Research Professor/Research Professor will be responsible for attracting competitive research and industry funding and leading an internationally renowned research group. They will lead and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and supervise postgraduate students and research staff. 

The appointee should be highly committed to the translation of research into policy and practice, contributing to the development of SAAFE's Living Labs program by securing funding and support for place-based industry/stakeholder engaged research and practical translation, and supervising associated HDR projects.

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 DARP

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. microbiology, ecology, health, engineering, bioinformatics)
• Demonstrated commitment to further development of knowledge and skills in the discipline
• A track record of original, innovative and distinguished achievement in research
• Demonstrated ability to create and lead a high-performing and productive applied research team

Level ERP

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. microbiology, ecology, health, engineering, bioinformatics)
• Recognised leadership within the field of expertise
• Original, innovative and distinguished achievement in research
• Demonstrated success at creating and leading a high-performing and productive applied research team

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, laptops and car parking fees
• 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 Wednesday 3 December 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.