Research Fellow, Soil Scientist Phosphorus

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 planets 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 youll take on complex challenges using your skills and experience to advance and drive meaningful change. Heres how youll 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 Universitys sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul Yuggera Jagera Turrbal Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Research Fellow Grade 1 salary - Base range $88689.84 - $103888.71 per annum 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $103767.11 - $121549.79 per annum.

Additional Information :

Why Griffith

As a values-led organisation at Griffith University weve 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 were committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever youre 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 Griffiths 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 .

For application and recruitment advice please contact Laura Whitworth Talent Acquisition Partner at

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

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time