4-year fixed term, full-time contract until 31 Dec 2030 ( possible extension) Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025) Diverse team fostering inclusivity, innovation, collaboration & sustainability Job Reference: 1420927 About the Role: Australia has lost 20–80% of soil organic carbon across nearly half the continent since European settlement, particularly in semi‑arid ecosystems that cover 80% of the country. This five‑year ARC Discovery Project tackles that challenge by investigating how native plant biodiversity can recarbonise degraded soils and strengthen climate resilience. As the Postdoctoral Researcher, you will lead the analytical and field components of this innovative project, directing investigations across restoration chronosequences and developing mesocosm experiments. Your work will span field sampling in semi‑arid landscapes, advanced soil organic carbon fractionation, and molecular‑ to nano‑scale characterisation using cutting‑edge technologies. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with researchers at Murdoch University, the University of Western Australia and ETH Zurich to apply new understanding on soil-plant interactions and modelling that predicts long‑term carbon sequestration. The project integrates innovative field ecology, soil science, and advanced analytical approaches, including nano‑scale imaging, to uncover how native plants, microbes and mineralogy interact to stabilise carbon and improve soil health. Your findings will directly inform national initiatives such as the National Soil Action Plan 2023–2028 and may contribute to future carbon credit methodologies under the ACCU scheme. This role offers exceptional professional development: access to Curtin’s new Soil and Landscape Science laboratory, specialised training at the John de Laeter Centre and WA Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre, and opportunities to mentor HDR students. With the project targeting 15 - 20 high‑impact publications and addressing major knowledge gaps, you will build a strong international research profile while contributing to nature‑positive solutions for restoring Australia’s degraded semi‑arid landscapes. Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Leading experimental and field research Contributing to the design and implementation of experiments Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams Presenting findings at national and international conferences Co-authoring peer-reviewed publications, contributing to writing research proposals, and mentoring of higher degree by research students. Who We Are Looking For (Selection Criteria) Essential: PhD qualification in soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental science, ecology, or closely related discipline. We will also consider candidates who have completed their PhDs and are awaiting conferral at the commencement of their appointment. Demonstrated expertise in soil science, soil ecology, soil carbon research or soil biogeochemistry Strong analytical skills including experience with soil fractionation techniques, analytical methods for characterising soil organic matter, spectroscopy and related methods. Statistical proficiency including multivariate analysis, mixed-effects modelling, structural equation modelling, and/or machine learning approaches for complex environmental datasets. Demonstrated research track record appropriate to career stage and relative to opportunity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in soil science, biogeochemistry, or related fields. Proven ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams Excellent written and oral communication skills with capacity to present research findings to diverse audiences. Desirable: Experience with soil carbon modelling and/or mechanistic ecosystem models. Knowledge of plant functional traits and plant-soil-microbe interactions. Familiarity with advanced analytical instrumentation (FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, XRD). Experience mentoring or supervising research students. Role Requirements: As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. Current C-Class driver's license (manual preferred) and ability to conduct fieldwork in semi-arid environments. Your new Team – Soil and Landscape Science Laboratory (SLSL): SLSL at Curtin University works to improve understanding of soil and its dynamics across space and time. The SLSL is an interdisciplinary group that combines soil science, soil carbon research, soil-landscape modelling, biogeochemistry, sensing and spectroscopy, geostatistics, environmental machine learning and mechatronic engineering. The SLSL’s research focuses on practical applications: enhancing carbon sequestration, restoring degraded ecosystems, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable agroecology. The SLSL group are united by a shared commitment to highlight the vital role of soil in our environment. For more information, please visit our website: https://research.curtin.edu.au/scieng/research/soil-and-landscape-science-lab/ Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines. As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically. Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to: 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options. Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days) Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9). Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students) Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions On-campus medical centre Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better. To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/ About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/ What We Offer You: This fixed term, full-time ALA level role attracts a remuneration of $104,917 - $112,487 (ALA.6 - ALA.8) 17% superannuation. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/ Join Us! If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: Up-to-date Resume Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above) If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address. Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Wednesday, 27 May, 2026 Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted. Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.
