Faculty of Science | School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Full-time fixed-term position through to mid-2027, funding partners will then review the progress of the research
Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
Based at our St Lucia Campus with occasional travel to Gatton
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Soil Science, you’ll play a role in research into the behaviour of recycled phosphorus fertilisers in soil.
You’ll work within an innovative research program investigating the forms, function, and performance of recycled P fertilisers across diverse Australian soils. Using advanced analytical techniques, you’ll assess nutrient transformations, establish replacement values for conventional fertilisers, and contribute new knowledge that supports both environmental sustainability and agricultural profitability.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to expand your expertise across soil chemistry, nutrient cycling, and fertiliser technology, while collaborating with leading scientists, industry partners, and growers. You’ll also have the chance to grow your academic profile through publications, student supervision, and contribution to the wider UQ research community.
Key responsibilities will include:
Lead and conduct impactful research on recycled phosphorus fertilisers through laboratory, glasshouse, and field experiments, producing high-quality publications, managing project budgets, and translating outcomes to industry and research partners.
Contribute to student supervision and research development, supporting Honours and Higher Degree by Research students and demonstrating collaborative leadership within the research team.
Engage in service and collaboration, actively contributing to unit priorities, participating in committees, and building productive partnerships with industry, government, and the broader scientific community.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
PhD with a focus on soil science or a relevant field of environmental science
Knowledge and hands-on experience in experimentation in agricultural/environmental chemistry, soil fertility and plant nutrition, and supporting analytical techniques.
Track record of publication of research findings in high-quality peer reviewed journals and conferences
Ability to work to deadlines both independently and in a team environment, and an ability to liaise with supporting staff.
Evidence of industry engagement and ability to effectively communicate to relevant stakeholders.
High level of personal integrity, transparency, and capability.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Peter Kopittke at p.kopittke@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
Cover letter
Responses to the ‘About You’ section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Tuesday November 25th 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57828). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing December 1st 2025.