Research Fellow in Soil Biogeochemistry

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 currently looking for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join our team and contribute to a project generating fundamental information on the role of sugarcane subsoil management on the improvement of carbon and nitrogen use efficiency.

Australian sugarcane farmers face declining productivity and sustainability due to deteriorating subsoil conditions. This project aims to enhance carbon and nitrogen use efficiency and increase sugarcane yield through subsoil management, specifically by applying organic amendments. This approach is expected to boost soil organic matter, nutrient supply, physical structure, water retention, microbial activity, and pH buffering capacity in the sugarcane rhizosphere.

Key project objectives include:

• Assessing the impact of subsoil organic amendments on carbon and nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane systems.
• Evaluating subsoil health through comprehensive physical, chemical, and biological indicators.
• Establishing a positive relationship between improved subsoil conditions and increased sugarcane yield.

The project will leverage Griffith University’s research facilities, Sugar Research Australia and Burdekin Productivity Services’ field management, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ life cycle cost analysis expertise. This research will equip end-users like farmers, agronomists, and policymakers with robust, evidence-based management strategies for optimising soil health, carbon and nitrogen use efficiency, and boosting sugarcane yield, especially in regions characterised by poor soil organic matter and adverse subsoil conditions.

As a Research Fellow, you will:

• Conduct laboratory/fieldwork/research in collaboration with other project participants as required on the project.
• Manage and contribute towards the preparation and formulation of publications, figures, presentations, and research reports arising from the research.
• Coordinate activities with other program participants to ensure effective team communication and collaboration throughout the lifetime of the project.
• Develop and maintain a good publication record in high impact, international, esteemed peer-reviewed journals and to seek competitive funding.

This is a fixed term (until 15 February 2029), 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 1 range $88,689 - $103,888 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $103,767 - $121,549 per annum.

Applicants for this position will hold a doctoral qualification in soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental science or other relevant disciplines.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated capacity to engage in high quality research, including evidence of the ability to initiate, manage, complete, and publish research and/or research related consulting activities.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish quality research, with evidence of high-quality papers and national and international impact of research.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary project team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• Experience in responsible and ethical behaviour in research, inclusiveness, and work health and safety practices and procedures.
• An unrestricted manual driver’s licence or be prepared to obtain a manual licence.

Why Griffith?

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

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• 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 Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Senior Lecturer, 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 the Corporate Services Service Centre on +61 7 373 54011 and quote reference number REF8555M.

Closing date: Sunday 28 September 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.