Company Description

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.
For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie

Job Description

• Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 3 Years
• Based at Western’s Hawkesbury Campus
• $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading
• Join a world-class research team unlocking the power of silicon in plant-soil ecosystems.

The Opportunity
Are you interested in joining an international research team exploring the role of silicon in plant-soil ecosystems? We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in plant-soil ecology to contribute to a prestigious Australian Research Council-funded project led by Professor Scott Johnson. The project focuses on unlocking the potential of silicon in plant biology and soil interactions, and forms part of a broader series of research initiatives advancing our understanding of plant-soil dynamics.

In this role you’ll develop innovative, sustainable strategies to help legumes thrive under global warming. The project leverages the synergy between silicon supplementation and plant-beneficial microbes. You will design, lead and conduct glasshouse, controlled environment, and field experiments to examine how silicon enhances plant partnerships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The research will also consider broader impacts on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and soil health. The findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of ecological processes that support sustainable agriculture. You will work closely with a team of experienced researchers, including Professor Scott Johnson and A/Professor Yolima Carrillo from HIE, and Professor Katie Field and Professor Sue Hartley OBE from the University of Sheffield, UK. The position offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary and internationally connected research environment that supports professional development and career progression.

This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for 3 years based on the Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, New South Wales. Travel to other campuses of the University may be required.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Soil Ecology.

Who We’re Looking For
You hold a PhD (or have recently submitted your thesis) in plant or soil science and bring experience in analysing plant-soil chemistry, particularly interactions with microbes. You’re confident designing and conducting experiments in both controlled and field settings, and have a working knowledge of isotope tracing methods to study nutrient fluxes. Your statistical and data management skills support reproducible research, and you have a publication record appropriate to your career stage. You’re organised, self-directed, and work well within collaborative research teams, communicating effectively and contributing positively to shared goals.

If you’re passionate about ecological innovation and eager to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,248 to $115,074 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Thursday 25 September 2025

Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Professor Scott Johnson via email at [email protected].

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].

Immigration Sponsorship
Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.