Research Fellow, Soil Scientist - Phosphorus

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.

About the opportunity 

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Fellow to join a dynamic and collaborative team working at the forefront of sustainable soil nutrient management. This exciting position sits within the School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute, and involves cross-disciplinary collaboration. This position will play a pivotal role in advancing research on legacy soil phosphorus, contributing to the development of grant proposals and strengthening international partnerships with leading researchers.

Phosphorus is a vital element for life and a cornerstone of global food production. However, its supply is increasingly constrained and its environmental footprint significant. This role will explore innovative strategies to harness existing soil phosphorus reserves, reducing reliance on external inputs and mitigating environmental risks. The research will be experiment-based and focus on four key themes:

• Developing sensors to track and understand phosphorus and plant signalling compounds in the soil environment.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of stable soil amendments (e.g., biochar, zeolites, clays, gypsum) in regulating plant phosphorus availability.
• Assessing the efficacy of soil microbial enrichment in supporting phosphorus use efficiency in soil.
• Elucidating the key soil geochemical controls on phosphorus mobility and bioavailability with a particular focus on soil pH and redox potential.

As a Research Fellow, you’ll take on complex challenges, using your skills and experience to advance and drive meaningful change. Here’s how you’ll make it matter:

• Conduct laboratory work in collaboration with other project participants as required on the project.
• 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.
• Manage and contribute towards the preparation and formulation of research grants and other collaborative opportunities arising from the research.

About you 

Applicants for this position will hold a PhD or equivalent qualifications/work experience in soil science, environmental sciences or other relevant field.

You will also have:

• Proven ability to conduct and coordinate laboratory research, including soil and plant analysis, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs (e.g., journal articles, reports, figures, presentations) for academic and industry audiences, with a strong track record of publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in managing research activities and maintaining effective communication across diverse project participants to ensure smooth collaboration.
• Capacity to contribute to research proposal development and provide guidance and co-supervision to PhD students within a collaborative research environment.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (18 months), 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.

Research Fellow Grade 1 salary - Base range $88,689.84 - $103,888.71 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $103,767.11 - $121,549.79 per annum.

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
• 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
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• 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 Chris Pratt, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment and Science at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected]..

Closing date: Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.