Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Entomology

Job no: 517322

Work type: Fixed term - Full-time

Campus: Adelaide

Categories: Level A, Level B, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

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

2 x Full time fixed term contracts until 30 April 2028.

The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine seeks to appoint two researchers to conduct research in entomology applied to integrated pest management in agricultural systems of southern Australia.

As part of a project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the University of Adelaide will investigate the feeding ecology and economic impact of soil-dwelling invertebrate pests of Australian grain crops, focusing on the European earwig, Portuguese millipede, and isopods (slaters and pill pugs). These invertebrates are associated with feeding damage during crop establishment in grain crops of southern and western Australia. The research will generate new knowledge to contribute to the development of management strategies for these pests.

The ideal candidates will have a PhD in agricultural entomology or closely related field and interest in advancing knowledge that will create impact for Australian grain growers. The successful appointees will conduct field and lab studies to investigate the biology and pest status of earwigs, millipedes, and isopods in Australian agricultural ecosystems. Research areas will include the life history of isopods in cropping environments, endosymbiont infections, interactions between environmental conditions and feeding behaviour for key species, crop seedling susceptibility to pest attack, and direct and indirect impacts of pest activity on crop yield and value.

Research outputs will have both academic and applied impacts at a national and international scale and will contribute to improving the grains industry's ability to understand and manage the economic risks of the target species. Activities will ensure trans-disciplinary collaborations within the University and project collaborators, and significant government and industry engagement. The positions will be attractive to skilled and self-motivated scientists who enjoy leading research activities and interacting with a broad array of stakeholders in science and industry.

The School of Agriculture, Food & Wine is one of several Schools in the Faculty of SET, and represents a world-class concentration of scientific research, education and product conferring capability, with infrastructure and resources at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide.

The School is the centrepiece of the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of expertise in plant genomics, crop improvement, plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, soil science, dryland farming, viticulture, and oenology. Research in these areas is targeted towards achieving sustainable agricultural production for healthier and environmentally resilient outcomes; optimising the economic and nutritional value of South Australia's clean, green food and wine products; and assessing and overcoming current and potential environmental threats to the entire agroecosystem.

To be successful you will need:

Level A

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in entomology or a related discipline.
• A track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in the field and laboratory.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems
• Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.

Level B

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in entomology or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
• A strong track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals, patents or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to forge meaningful external relationships with relevant industry stakeholders and professional bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to initiate and lead research activities, in collaboration with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results to a diverse set of academic, industry and lay audiences.
• Ability to work in the field and laboratory.
• Capacity to supervise staff and postgraduate research students for the timely completion of projects.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems.
• Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.
• Demonstrated success in attracting external research funding and to initiate and lead research activities, particularly in collaboration with industry, in areas relevant for collaboration within the School.

This position requires a current National Police Clearance or be willing to apply.

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

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you 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 is one that 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. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

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.

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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.

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How to Apply

Click on the '' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a resume, as well as a cover letter addressing your suitability and experience for the position, referring to the selection criteria, in no more than 2 pages.

Applications close 11:55pm, 8 October 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Kym Perry

Research Fellow

The University of Adelaide

Waite Research Institute

School of Ag. Food & Wine | Entomology Group

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DOWNLOAD THE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Advertised: 19 Sep :00 AM

Applications close:08 Oct :55 PM