Research Associate in sedimentary ancient DNA applied to palaeoecology

Level A $81,293 - $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position for 33 Months

We invite applications for a Research Associate to conduct interdisciplinary research using modern and sediment-hosted ancient DNA, funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project. The position will be based in Earth Sciences (School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences), involving collaboration with the Environmental Genomics Initiative (School of Biology) and the State Herbarium of South Australia. Specifically, the Research Associate will (a) construct and analyse a DNA reference database for the native flora of Kangaroo Island, South Australia; and (b) analyse ancient DNA from sediments on Kangaroo Island to develop novel records of vegetation change over the last 10,000 years.

The project will investigate the interplay between climate, fire, vegetation and people, involving collaboration with colleagues and students working on sedimentology, geochronology, palynology, isotopes and organic geochemistry. As part of this team, the Research Associate will contribute to fieldwork and sediment analysis, student supervision, and work towards synthesising the project outcomes to inform sustainable fire management and biodiversity conservation both on Kangaroo Island and across south-eastern Australia.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD or equivalent degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the analysis of ancient DNA from Quaternary (or older) sediments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the bioinformatic processing of DNA data.
• An excellent publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals, relative to experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following scientific disciplines: botany, fire ecology, landscape ecology, palaeoecology, climate change, paleoclimates, environmental change or similar.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and to communicate between disciplines.
  
  

Desired Characteristics:

• Willingness to participate in supervision of undergraduate and/or PhD students.
• Expertise in field botany - plant identification, collection and curation.
• Expertise in lakes/wetlands and wetland sediments.
• Experience in numerical analysis or modelling of (palaeo)environmental data using R/python/Matlab or similar platforms.
• Experience with sediment analysis, which may include palaeoecological techniques, sedimentology, radiocarbon dating and/or geochemistry.
  
  

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 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. Our scientists work across a vast array of multidisciplinary themes and our has been rated by Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) as ‘above world standard’ to ‘well above world standard’.

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 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 11:55pm, 22 September 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:

Associate Professor Jonathan Tyler
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
P: +61 83132810
E: jonathan.tyler@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University is 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