Overview
Fixed term, full-time until 31 December 2026. Based at the Bentley Campus. Salary: $101,131 - $112,487 (ALA.5 - ALA.8) per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
Job Reference: 1420927
About the Role
The Soil & Landscape Science Laboratory (SLSL) at Curtin University is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead scientific activities within Project PanGaia, an ambitious land-restoration initiative in Western Australia. This project sits at the forefront of soil and landscape science, integrating fundamental soil processes with applied regenerative land management.
Project PanGaia is a partnership between Curtin University and the not-for-profit organisation For the Love of Wildlife Ltd (FLOW). Curtin provides scientific leadership and methodological rigour, while FLOW delivers on-ground implementation with Aboriginal partners. Together, the collaboration aims to restore degraded landscapes by combining Indigenous Traditional Knowledge with cutting-edge soil science, ecological research, and emerging technologies.
A major focus of the research program is validating a novel soil micropitting methodology, inspired by the historical foraging behaviour of now-absent native marsupials. This technique aims to rehydrate, stabilise, and revitalise degraded soils – enhancing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and long-term landscape resilience. The project also advances the co-design of an AI-enabled automated rover prototype for scalable restoration, developed in close partnership with Aboriginal knowledge holders.
Your responsibilities
* Lead the development, co-design, and delivery of the project's scientific program.
* Oversee soil and landscape trials and ensure robust experimental design and methodology.
* Train, mentor, and support Field Technicians across Western Australia.
* Collaborate closely with the Project Director and Indigenous partners to enable two-way science and integrate Traditional Knowledge with contemporary research.
* Design and implement baseline studies and ecological assessments.
* Conduct data analysis and maintain the scientific integrity of all research outputs.
* Lead scientific reporting, including technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and interpretive summaries.
* Contribute to the project's strategic direction and long-term scientific impact.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Selection Criteria
Essential
* PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field. We will also consider candidates who have completed their PhDs and are awaiting conferral at the commencement of their appointment.
* Demonstrated expertise in soil sampling, analysis and testing, with a strong understanding of soil chemistry, biology and ecosystem interactions.
* Proven experience designing and implementing statistically valid field-based soil research, including proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation using modern software (e.g., R, Python).
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders.
* Excellent scientific writing.
* A high-level of Indigenous cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively with Indigenous research-users.
* Ability to work independently and in a team.
* Able to manage multiple project components and supervise laboratory and field activities.
Desirable
* Previous experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities in research contexts and/or knowledge of Indigenous land management practices is highly desirable.
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.
Your new Team – Soil and Landscape Science Laboratory (SLSL)
The Soil & Landscape Science Laboratory conducts world-leading theoretical, methodological, and applied research that aims to improve understanding of soil processes and the drivers of soil and landscape variability at different spatial and temporal scales. It aims to build a robust scientific framework for the development of soil science and pathways for achieving sustainable development, supported by training of the next generation of soil scientists in ecology and agriculture.
For more information, please visit our website: https://research.curtin.edu.au/scieng/research/soil-and-landscape-science-lab/
Diversity, Inclusion and Benefits
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: Curtin University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment. We are proud of our achievements and recognise 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 representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM, including leadership training, mentorship, networking, and professional development resources. Curtin offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including:
* 17% superannuation, plus salary packaging options
* Paid Parental leave (26 weeks primary caregiver; 3 weeks non-primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
* 12 Public Holidays per year and 2 extra University Days over Christmas/New Year
* Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare
* Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
* On-campus medical centre
* Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity initiatives
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to join Curtin and contribute to STEMM excellence. For more information on diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, visit the Curtin diversity page.
What we offer
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our Bentley campus offers amenities including an art gallery, gym, childcare, medical centre, and more. Curtin offers additional benefits, including leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services, and discounts. For more reasons to work at Curtin, visit our staff page.
How to apply
If this sounds like your next role, please apply with:
* Up-to-date Resume
* Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
* A document addressing the selection criteria for the role
Queries: CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1). Quote the reference number. Applications close: 8:30pm AWST, Monday, 23 February 2025. Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered. No recruitment agencies.
Curtin reserves the right to withdraw from the recruitment process or to appoint by invitation at any time.
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