Research Fellow

Job Description

About the opportunity 

The Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) is Griffith's flagship institute dedicated to aquatic ecosystem sustainability. We conduct critical research on all aspects of water to support conservation and management efforts.

Our source-to-sea philosophy fosters holistic approaches to global water challenges at scale. By unifying expertise across environmental sciences, health, engineering, social science, First Peoples knowledge and culture, economics and law, we provide solutions for the rehabilitation, sustainable use and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Our interdisciplinary research approach also aligns with global treaties and initiatives on sustainability, climate, biodiversity and restoration. Nationally our research supports integrated assessments of natural capital for the nature repair market, focusing on the connectivity of soil, land and water.

Through partnerships with government and industry, our research is connected, innovative and targeted to address issues of water security, contemporary challenges of climate and land use change and issues from microplastics and emerging contaminants.

The Institute has over 200 staff and postgraduate students across the University's Nathan and Gold Coast campuses and hosts the International Water Centre.

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 Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team (integrated Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Microbiology and Ecological Modelling) at the School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute.

This Research Fellow will undertake research in the areas of soil and environmental biodiversity, functionality, and ecosystem health and resilience using multi-disciplinary approaches of molecular microbiology, biogeochemistry, spectral technology and AI-aided modelling. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of soil science, molecular biology and microbial ecology aiming to understand and develop the practical soil health matrix for externally funded projects in Australian and overseas.

The Research Fellow position will have a combined academic profile of 90% research and 10% Service.

In addition to the above, the position will:

• Undertake research on biogeochemical processes and soil health and develop sustainable management practices in both natural and agricultural ecosystems
• Develop and apply mathematical models (and other models) and spectra-based technology to predict key soil biogeochemical properties.
• Publish high-quality research outputs in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to grant applications and project reports, and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Supervise and mentor research students and assistants, while contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate training in Soil Science and Earth Science to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate across disciplines and engage with external stakeholders to co-develop research methodologies, support research group activities, and strengthen the School’s research profile and community impact.

About you 
The successful candidate for this position will hold a PhD in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Soil Science, Environmental Sciences or a related field.

You will also have:

• Experience with research in relevant soil biological functionality, biodiversity and biogeochemical processes and soil health and resilience.
• Proficiency in molecular microbiology technologies, bioinformatics and DNA sequence data analysis.
• 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.

What we can offer

This is a full time, fixed term opportunity for three years 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
Research Fellow Grade 2 - Base range - $117,076.11 - $139,031.71 + 17% superannuation. Full package range - $136,979.05 - $162,667.11.

Additional Information

Why join 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 

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. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. 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. 

How to apply 

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 

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen, School of Environment and Science at c.chen@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date: Wednesday 29th July at 11:59pm All applications must be submitted online.

Company Description

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.