Ag-Tech Researcher for Sustainable Agriculture Full-time

Ag-Tech Researcher for Sustainable Agriculture

(Level A) $81,293 – $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term position for 36 months.

We are seeking a talented and innovative researcher with expertise in mechatronics, robotics or automation to join the School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, focusing on smart agriculture and Ag-Tech solutions.

This position will lead the development and application of advanced agricultural technologies that improve the sustainability, productivity and resilience of farming systems.

Located at the Waite Campus, one of the world's leading agricultural science precincts, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful, multidisciplinary research in a highly collaborative environment. You will work alongside experts in plant science, soil science, viticulture and more, and have access to modern facilities and strong industry partnerships. The successful candidate will play a key role in creating real-world technology solutions for agriculture through design, prototyping, testing and field deployment.

This is a three-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension based on performance. The University is committed to diversity, inclusion and flexible working arrangements, and strongly encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. The role offers the chance to build academic and industry networks, supervise students and apply for competitive research funding in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

To be successful you will need:

• Masters/ PhD in Mechatronics/Robotics or relevant area, or significant and appropriate industry experience.
• Demonstrated practical experience in application of Robotics, automation or relevant Ag-Tech solutions.
• A track record, relative to opportunity, of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated success in attracting and successfully supervising PhD, Masters and Honours students.
• Excellent organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching.

Learn more about Adelaide University

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs – including significant industry, government and community collaborations – offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close: 11:55pm, Wednesday, 8th of October 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Chris Saunders

Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Agriculture

School, Agriculture, Food & Wine

P: +61 (0)419 752292

E: chris.saunders@adelaide.edu.au

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.