Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Based in the College of Science at the Adelaide City Campus East

Full-time, 3-year fixed term contract

Salary Range: $81,293 - $109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the development of mathematical models to predict collective behaviour in locusts and sheep. This project aims to better understand how the behaviour of individuals affects the movement of the whole swarm or herd, by comparing results from mathematical models with field data and controlled experiments.

Insights from the project will have practical applications in pest control and livestock management. The candidate will be encouraged to develop, simulate and analyse mathematical models for collective movement using partial differential equations and / or agent-based approaches.

The team

This research will involve collaboration with applied mathematicians Associate Professor Edward Green and Professor Andrew Bernoff (Harvey Mudd College, USA), data scientist Dr Jack Maclean, and animal behaviour experts Dr Camille Buhl and Dr Stephan Leu.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, intellectually rich environment. You’ll work across disciplines and interact with mathematicians, data scientists and biologists, ensuring each day brings new ideas, challenges and collaborations.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• A PhD (completed or close to submission) in applied mathematics or a related area of science or engineering
• A record of scientific research achievements commensurate with career stage, including publications in international peer-reviewed journals
• Experience of developing numerical codes in a scientific programming language such as Matlab, Julia or Python
• Experience in the development and analysis of mathematical and computational models of real-world phenomena
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills to enable effective working both as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research tea

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your future with Adelaide University now

Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:

• your current CV
• a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11:55pm Wednesday 20 May 2026

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 492944):

Rachael Cossons
Talent Acquisition Adviser
+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au