Research Fellow in Soil Microplastics

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The School of Environment and Science maintains an illustrious research position across numerous industry sectors, guiding and informing its learning and teaching. Our school is committed to contributing to the planet's sustainable future by identifying and measuring environmental problems and offering solution-driven approaches. Our research and teaching staff are acknowledged as world industry leaders, working across the broad science and environment disciplines enabling us to develop and deliver comprehensive study programs. We partner with industry, government, and the community to drive innovation and achieve success.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Fellow with a strong analytical chemistry background and training to work in the Soil Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group within the School of Environment and Science, and the Australian Rivers Institute.

The Research Fellow position will undertake research on developing standard methodologies / protocols for measuring microplastics in soil, water, compost and waste samples. This position is funded by the Solving Plastic Waste CRC.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to interact with other researchers within the Solving Plastic Waste CRC, to develop diverse research expertise, and to pursue broader personal and professional development through industry interaction, publications and student supervision.

In addition to the above, the position will:

• Develop standard protocols for collection, processing and pretreatment of soil, water, compost and waste samples for extraction, identification and quantification of microplastics.
• Compare different procedures and techniques for analysis microplastics such as FTIR Microscope, pyrolysis GC MS, Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging, Optical Photothermal IR or Raman spectroscopy.
• Development a practical framework for assessing environmental risk of microplastics using available protocols/ techniques.
• Deliver SPW CRC milestones on time, manage project and committee meetings, and prepare quarterly/final reports.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and engage with industry and research partners.
• Collaborate effectively in teams, work independently, and support the training and supervision of PhD students or research assistants.

This is a fixed term (until 31 March 2028), full time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow Grade 2 range $113,226 - $134,460 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $132,474 - $157,318 per annum.

The successful candidate for this position will hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related field.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience with sample collection and processing, pretreatment, identification and quantification of microplastics in soil, compost, water and waste samples.
• Demonstrated analytical skills in using FTIR Microscope, or pyrolysis GC MS or Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging, or Optical Photothermal IR.
• A strong track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals, with experience presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams, managing competing deadlines while maintaining effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience supervising and supporting the development of PhD students and research assistants.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen, School of Environment and Science at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Ms Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].

For application support, please contact People Services on +61 7 373 54011 and quote reference number REF8183J.

Closing date: Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.  All applications must be submitted online.