Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Entomology (A/B) Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Entomology (A/B)

Two full-time fixed-term contracts until 30 April 2028.

The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine seeks to appoint two researchers to conduct research in entomology applied to integrated pest management in agricultural systems of southern Australia.

As part of a project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the University of Adelaide will investigate the feeding ecology and economic impact of soil-dwelling invertebrate pests of Australian grain crops, focusing on the European earwig, Portuguese millipede, and isopods (slaters and pill pugs). These invertebrates are associated with feeding damage during crop establishment in grain crops of southern and western Australia. The research will generate new knowledge to contribute to the development of management strategies for these pests.

The ideal candidates will have a PhD in agricultural entomology or closely related field and interest in advancing knowledge that will create impact for Australian grain growers. The successful appointees will conduct field and lab studies to investigate the biology and pest status of earwigs, millipedes, and isopods in Australian agricultural ecosystems. Research areas will include the life history of isopods in cropping environments, endosymbiont infections, interactions between environmental conditions and feeding behaviour for key species, crop seedling susceptibility to pest attack, and direct and indirect impacts of pest activity on crop yield and value.

Research outputs will have both academic and applied impacts at a national and international scale and will contribute to improving the grains industry's ability to understand and manage the economic risks of the target species. Activities will ensure trans-disciplinary collaborations within the University and project collaborators, and significant government and industry engagement. The positions will be attractive to skilled and self-motivated scientists who enjoy leading research activities and interacting with a broad array of stakeholders in science and industry.

The School of Agriculture, Food & Wine is one of several Schools in the Faculty of SET, and represents a world-class concentration of scientific research, education and product conferring capability, with infrastructure and resources at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide.

The School is the centrepiece of the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of expertise in plant genomics, crop improvement, plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, soil science, dryland farming, viticulture, and oenology. Research in these areas is targeted towards achieving sustainable agricultural production for healthier and environmentally resilient outcomes; optimising the economic and nutritional value of South Australia's clean, green food and wine products; and assessing and overcoming current and potential environmental threats to the entire agroecosystem.

To be successful you will need:

Level A

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in entomology or a related discipline.
• A track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in the field and laboratory.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems
• Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.

Level B

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in entomology or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
• A strong track record in entomology research or related field, evidenced by papers in peer-reviewed journals, patents or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to forge meaningful external relationships with relevant industry stakeholders and professional bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to initiate and lead research activities, in collaboration with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results to a diverse set of academic, industry and lay audiences.
• Ability to work in the field and laboratory.
• Capacity to supervise staff and postgraduate research students for the timely completion of projects.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience or knowledge of invertebrates within southern Australian agricultural systems.
• Experience with molecular methods for species identification and/or population genetics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and programming languages such as R and Python.
• Demonstrated success in attracting external research funding and to initiate and lead research activities, particularly in collaboration with industry, in areas relevant for collaboration within the School.

This position requires a current National Police Clearance or be willing to apply.