Research Fellow in AI and Computational Soil Biogeochemistry

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

The School of Environment and Science maintains an illustrious research position across numerous industry sectors, guiding and informing its learning and teaching. Our school is committed to contributing to the planet's sustainable future by identifying and measuring environmental problems and offering solution-driven approaches. Our research and teaching staff are acknowledged as world industry leaders, working across the broad science and environment disciplines enabling us to develop and deliver comprehensive study programs. We partner with industry, government, and the community to drive innovation and achieve success.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team (integrated soil science, computational modelling and hyperspectral imaging) at the School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute.

The Research Fellow will undertake research in the areas of dynamics of soil carbon and biogeochemistry using cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging, machine learning and modelling techniques. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of soil science and data analytics, aiming to improve our understanding of soil carbon processes, their spatial and temporal variability, and long-term carbon sequestration. The successful candidate will contribute to both research excellence and teaching innovation in environmental and soil sciences.

The Research Fellow position will have a combined academic profile of 60% research, 30% teaching within the School in the fields of soil and earth sciences and 10% Service.

In addition to the above, the position will:

• Develop and apply machine learning models to extract meaningful patterns from spectral datasets and predict key soil biogeochemical properties.
• Integrate spectral data with laboratory analyses to understand mechanisms of soil carbon storage and stabilization.
• Build and maintain spectral libraries of soil samples across different land uses, soil types, and climate zones to support broader modelling and scaling efforts.
• Publish high-quality research outputs in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to grant applications and project reports, and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Supervise and mentor research students and assistants, while contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Soil Science and Earth Science to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate across disciplines and engage with external stakeholders to co-develop research methodologies, support research group activities, and strengthen the School’s research profile and community impact.

This is a fixed term (12 months), full time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow Grade 2 range $113,226 - $134,460 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $132,474 - $157,318 per annum.

Qualifications

The successful candidate for this position will hold a PhD in Soil Science, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, Machine learning, or a related field.

You will also have:

• Experience with hyperspectral or spectroscopic or computational analysis of soils or natural materials.
• Proficiency in machine learning (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) and multivariate data analysis.
• A strong track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals, with experience presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams, managing competing deadlines while maintaining effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience delivering engaging lectures and tutorials in the fields of soil and earth sciences.

Additional Information

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen, School of Environment and Science at c.chen@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Ms Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at c.gartrell@griffith.edu.au.

For application support, please contact People Services on +61 7 373 54011 and quote reference number REF8182F.

Closing date: Wednesday 30 July 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.  All applications must be submitted online.