Research Fellow in Sedimentology and Biogeochemistry

• Full-time, 3-year fixed term opportunity, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Geosciences

• Work on one of the world's most ambitious Earth system modelling initiatives

• Base Salary, Academic level A/B $117,936 - $157,381 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Join the Quantitative Earth Systems (QuESt) Lab within the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney and contribute to EarthLab, an innovative research initiative delivered in partnership with BHP. EarthLab is developing the world's most comprehensive whole-Earth modelling framework, integrating plate tectonics, mantle convection, landscape evolution, ocean-atmosphere-cryosphere interactions and biosphere processes to better understand the formation and preservation of critical mineral deposits.

As Postdoctoral Research Associate / Research Fellow in Sedimentology and Biogeochemistry, you will play a key role in advancing our understanding of sedimentary mineral systems, particularly sediment-hosted copper deposits. Working alongside leading researchers and industry partners, you will contribute to cutting-edge research with direct relevance to global mineral exploration while helping to develop next-generation community research tools.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely with QuESt Lab researchers and BHP Exploration teams to advance mineral systems research

• develop and apply innovative approaches to sedimentological and biogeochemical investigations

• contribute to modelling sedimentary copper systems and Earth surface processes

• analyse and interpret large-scale geospatial and geochemical datasets

• publish high-quality research outcomes in leading international journals

• supervise honours and postgraduate student research projects where appropriate.

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a globally significant research program tackling fundamental questions about Earth's evolution and mineral systems. You will:

• contribute to world-leading Earth systems science

• collaborate with internationally recognised researchers and industry partners

• publish impactful research with real-world applications

• access a vibrant, multidisciplinary geoscience research environment

• help build transformative scientific tools for the global research community.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Research Fellow who has:

• a PhD (or thesis submitted and close to completion) in sedimentology, sedimentary geochemistry, biogeochemistry, sedimentary-hosted mineral deposits or a closely related discipline

• demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: sedimentology, sedimentary geochemistry, biogeochemistry, sedimentary-hosted mineral deposits or geospatial data analysis

• experience applying geological and geochemical datasets to understand Earth surface or mineral-system processes

• proficiency in scientific programming using Python or similar languages, or the demonstrated ability to rapidly develop coding capability

• a strong publication record relative to career stage in relevant research fields

• expertise in landscape evolution modelling and/or biogeochemical modelling using open-source tools will be highly regarded.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Thursday 01 October 2026 11:59 PM