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(Level A) $81,293 - $109,307, (Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17 % superannuation applies.

Fixed-term, full-time position for 2 years.

Are you passionate about protecting, conserving and restoring coastal ecosystems, and ready to make a meaningful research contribution to these topics with real-world application?

The University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (A/B) to join the Future Coasts Lab, where we research climate change mitigation through natural solutions, with a focus on coastal or 'blue carbon' ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, and saltmarshes).

This exciting role will support two existing projects over the first ~12 months of the position. This work will involve measuring and modelling the extent, carbon storage potential and biodiversity benefits of coastal wetlands in industrial zones around Adelaide, and in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region of South Australia. The studies will include consideration of both current and future ecological states (e.g. under climate change and/or altered hydrological regimes and restoration). The position will also include flexibility to work on other activities under the guidance of the lab head (Associate Professor Alice Jones). These activities are not tied to specific projects/grants and may include leading or contributing to writing papers using existing, unpublished data from recently completed projects in the lab, and/or developing new projects and grant proposals in collaboration with Dr Jones and other internal and external partners.

We are seeking to attract an outstanding applicant who has an appropriate understanding and expertise in coastal ecology and nature-based solutions. The successful candidate will need to be based in Adelaide, due to the field and lab-based requirements of the funded projects.

The position will be based in the School of Biological Sciences at Adelaide University.  Research and teaching in the School of Biological Sciences spans the scale and breadth of the living world – from molecules, genes and cells; infectious agents; organisms and their environments; to broad habitats and landscapes that cover Earth, and its oceans. 

Our School encompasses the disciplines of Molecular and Biomedical Science and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. This position would be in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology discipline. 

Our cutting-edge research themes guide our teaching programs. We train the next generation of biomedical researchers, biotechnologists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists to help them understand and improve human health, ascertain how evolution has shaped the present world, and safeguard our environment. This includes work undertaken within our invaluable Terrestrial Ecological Research Network .

To be successful, you will need:

• A PhD in marine/coastal ecology or a related discipline. To be considered at level B, you will need a completed PhD with at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent industry experience (please refer to the selection criteria document).
• A track record in coastal nature-based solutions research or a related field, evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Programming experience for data handling, data visualisation and statistical analyses (in R, Python, or other relevant language), and experience working with spatial datasets and spatial modelling using GIS or R.
• Strong organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work and communicate with academic, industry, government and community partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out coastal fieldwork.

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.

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offer you a 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 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; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: 

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. 

Learn more at: 

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

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form. 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.

Applications close 11:55 pm, 1 December 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 Alice Jones
Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
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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)

We are 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. 

Download the Position Description