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

Fixed term, full-time position for 5 years.

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Fellow A to join the School of Agriculture at the University of Adelaide, supporting the Grains Research and Development Corporation funded Weed Management Initiative under the supervision of Professor Chris Preston.

This full-time, five-year research role focuses on conducting innovative field-based weed science research to support sustainable management of herbicide resistant weeds.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the Weed Management Initiative, applying their expertise in field experimentation, weed science, and data analysis to generate impactful findings that inform best practices in agriculture. The position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic and supportive research team, with strong connections to farmers, industry stakeholders, and other research organisations across Australia. It also provides an excellent platform for publishing peer-reviewed research and advancing a career in agricultural science. The Weed Management Initiative is a national collaborative project with nodes in Adelaide, Perth, Wagga Wagga and Toowoomba that seeks to reduce the impact of herbicide resistant weeds on Australian grain producers.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agricultural Science or a related field, with demonstrated skills in field experimentation, statistical analysis, and collaborative research. Strong organisational, interpersonal, and time management skills are essential. Desirable attributes include the ability to communicate effectively with farmers and advisors, experience with herbicide trial decision-making, and a commitment to the University’s values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence, and discovery.

To be successful you will need:

• Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agricultural Science or related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in conducting field experimentation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with researchers from other organisations, farming systems groups or with farmers
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to use statistical methods to analyse field data

This position will require travel to research sites across southern Australia.

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 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.

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, 25th of August 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Christopher Preston

Professor, Weed Management
School of Agriculture, Food & Wine
Ph: +61 8 8313 7237
e-mail: christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au

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

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified

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.