(Level A) $98,574 to $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, Full time position available until June 2029

The Tectonics and Earth Systems Group, led by Professor Collins, is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team on the newly funded Australian Research Council Laureate project. This exciting research will investigate the intersection of plate tectonics, critical metals, and Earth's habitability by reconstructing tectonic, bathymetric, and topographic models of the Earth’s surface from 1800–500 million years ago.

The aim of the project is to leverage extensive geological data to create a tectonic, bathymetric, and topographic digital twin of the Earth’s surface from 1800–500 million years ago. This model will be used to explore how deep Earth processes—such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics—contributed to the formation of critical metals and helped shape a habitable world.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing the project’s goals by conducting field-based research and contributing to the development of Proterozoic tectonic models and pressure-time reconstructions of orogens. This research will encompass diverse regions, including Africa, Arabia, India, Madagascar, South America and Australia. Your expertise will be pivotal in uncovering how past tectonic processes influenced the distribution of critical metals, providing essential insights into Earth's geological evolution and resources.

To be successful, you will need to demonstrate how your skills and research interests align with the aims of the recently funded ARC Laureate Fellowship awarded to Professor Collins. These objectives are: (Plate Tectonics, Critical Metals and our Habitable Earth.)

• AIM 1: Map the plate tectonic geography from the billion years before multicellular life emerged, a period during which many sedimentary-hosted critical metal deposits formed.
• AIM 2: Delineate the evolving bathymetry and topography of the planet over this time to constrain the physical circulation of ancient oceans and atmosphere.
• AIM 3: Model the cycles of bio-geochemically critical elements, from the weathering of plate-tectonic landforms to the atmosphere and oceans, which governed the proliferation of life and the transport and deposition of critical metals in the surface environment.

We encouraged you to highlight how your research interests, skills, and expertise align with the project’s vision.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree (or thesis to be submitted in 2025) in earth sciences.
• Demonstrated research capability in at least one of the following: tectonics, earth-systems modelling, field geology, metamorphic geology, geochronology, sedimentary geology, structural geology, geochemistry, igneous geology.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct collaborative research as a member of a diverse research team that includes research students.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate expertise and interests to further one or more aims of Prof Collins ARC Laureate Fellowship “Plate Tectonics, Critical Metals and our Habitable Earth”.
  
  

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 - 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.

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: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

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: set.adelaide.edu.au

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 resume and a cover letter addressing how your research interests, skills, and expertise align with the project’s vision based on the AIM’s 1,2 or 3.

Applications close 11:55pm, Wednesday 7 May

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:

Professor Alan Collins
Mawson Chair in Geology
E: alan.collins@adelaide.edu.au

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 Apply now