Postdoctoral Researcher in Agriculture

Company Description

Job Description

• Full-time, 3 Years Fixed-Term position at Academic Level B.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements in Narrabri and Trangie.
• Salary: $123,327 – $145,625 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Advance research into drought-resilient cropping systems through innovative soil, plant and environmental science. 

The Opportunity
In this job, you will contribute to the delivery of the Novel Soil Amendments for Drought Resilient Cropping Systems project, undertaking both independent and collaborative research that supports Western Sydney University's research objectives. Working within the School of Science, you will investigate soil function, crop productivity and drought resilience to generate research outcomes that deliver meaningful advances in agricultural systems. 

You will be based in either the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri or the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, Trangie, NSW to conduct field trials. You will design and deliver field-based and controlled environment experiments, applying robust scientific methods to produce high-quality and reproducible research outcomes. Using field, laboratory and sensor-based methodologies, you will analyse and interpret complex datasets to develop evidence-based recommendations that improve soil and crop management practices. 

You will contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement activities. The role also supports research funding opportunities through grant development, collaboration with industry and research partners, and the co-supervision of honours and higher degree research students. You will work across multidisciplinary teams while maintaining compliance with research governance requirements and contributing to outreach activities and occasional teaching associated with the research program.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver high-quality research outcomes that advance knowledge of drought resilience, soil function and crop productivity. 
• Design and execute rigorous field and controlled environment research programs with reproducible results.
• Publish impactful research outputs and effectively communicate findings to academic and industry audiences.
• Build productive collaborations with industry partners, research organisations and internal stakeholders.
• Support research capability development through mentoring and co-supervising research students. 

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A doctoral qualification in Agriculture, Plant Science, Soil Science or a related discipline. 
• Demonstrated postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in improving abiotic stress tolerance in plants, ideally relating to drought stress. 
• Proven experience in experimental design, research delivery, data analysis and interpretation within agricultural systems.
• A track record of scholarly outputs including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and related research contributions. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and organisational skills, with the capacity to undertake field research in regional and remote locations and hold, or obtain, a current Australian driver's licence.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Jay Bose, Associate Professor in Intensive Food Production via J.Bose@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1667H.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 2 2026.
• Working Rights: Employer Visa Sponsorship will be provided if required.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.

Qualifications

Additional Information