Research Associate - Soil & Landscape Science Laboratory

Curtin University, Australia

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Job Type: FullTime

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 will include:

  • 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.
Who we are looking for (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 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 scientist in ecology and agriculture. For more information, please visit our website: https://research.curtin.edu.au/scieng/research/soil-and-landscape-science-lab/

    Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:
    At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that 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 the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.
    As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.
    Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

    • 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
    • Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
    • Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9). 
    • Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
    • Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
    • On-campus medical centre 
    • Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.   

    We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.   

    To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/   


     
    About Curtin University

    Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/   


    What We Offer You:  

    Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.  

    For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/ 


    Join Us!
    If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:
    • Up-to-date Resume
    • Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
    • A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)  

    If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.  


    Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST), Monday, 23 February 2025. 
     
    Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.
    Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.  

    Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.  


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