Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Functional Biomaterials for Sustainable Agriculture

• Drive research that turns agricultural waste into sustainable solutions

• Work with industry on innovative biomaterials and agricultural products

• Make an impact across research, sustainability and commercialisation

• Full Time, Fixed Term (up to 12 months)

• Level A - $80,046 to $108,204 pa (plus 17% superannuation)

• Wagga Wagga

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will support an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship project focused on transforming agricultural waste into low-cost, high-quality substrates and soil amendment products. You will develop controlled-release biomaterials designed to improve nutrient release and water retention for mushroom cultivation and crop growth.

Working with industry partners and a multidisciplinary research team, you will plan and deliver experimental research spanning nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation, laboratory studies, plant and soil experiments, data analysis and research translation. You will contribute to publications, reports and project milestones while supporting the scale-up, commercialisation and practical application of research outcomes.

• A PhD in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, agricultural science, agronomy, soil science or a related discipline.

• Research experience in areas such as agricultural-waste valorisation, mushroom cultivation, substrate development, nutrient-release studies or plant and soil experiments.

• Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, analyse quantitative data and maintain reproducible research records.

• A strong record of research outputs, with high-level scientific writing, presentation and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and build productive relationships with researchers and industry partners.

You will bring curiosity, innovation and a collaborative approach to applied research, with the ability to translate scientific ideas into practical outcomes. Experience in nanomaterials, scale-up, industry validation, commercialisation or analytical techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy or nutrient-release assays will be highly regarded.