Postdoctoral Fellow – Centre for Soil and Environmental Research
- Lincoln University
- New Zealand
- Jul 24, 2026
Job Description:
24-month fixed term role conducting innovative research to develop soil bacteria solutions that reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Mō te tūka | The role
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge environmental research, based in our Centre for Soil and Environmental Research (CSER) team. You’ll play a key role in advancing bacterial-based technologies that support climate resilience and sustainable agricultural systems.
Working closely with researchers and collaborators, you’ll design and deliver experiments, analyse data, and contribute to high-impact research programmes funded by the New Zealand Ag-Emissions Centre. You’ll also engage with colleagues across the University and support postgraduate research activity.
Some tasks of the role include:
- Design and deliver soil microbiology and molecular biology experiments
- Isolate and characterise soil bacteria using advanced techniques
- Analyse bacterial DNA using bioinformatics tools
- Measure nitrous oxide emissions from cultures and soil systems
- Analyse data and contribute to research reports and publications
- Collaborate with research teams and support postgraduate students
Mahi & Wāhi / Utu | Work pattern, location & salary
This two-year fixed term role is based at our Lincoln Campus and works 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
The salary for this position is fixed at $75,000 per annum.
Kā tino Pūkeka/Whēako | Essential skills/experience for the role
You will bring:
- A PhD in soil microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with microbial isolation, culturing, DNA techniques and sequencing
- Strong data analysis skills, including Excel, statistics, or modelling
- A track record (or emerging record) of research and publication
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment and contribute to a positive team culture
Kā hua ka riro ki a koe | What's in it for you?
Join a supportive, inclusive community that values diversity, wellbeing, and professional growth. Benefits include:
- Flexible, family‑friendly work + free on‑site parking
- Professional development & mentorship to grow your career
- Generous leave entitlements – five weeks of paid leave per year (based on 1.0 FTE)
- Free, confidential wellbeing support through Clearhead (EAP)
- Southern Cross employee benefits
- Access to on‑campus gym with discounted membership
- On‑site early childhood centre with staff discounts
- A vibrant campus lifestyle with cafés, green spaces, and a sense of community
Mō mātou | About us
Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University is a specialist institution dedicated to impactful research and higher education that supports land-based industries in New Zealand and globally.
Our campus sits at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, complemented by university-owned farms and research stations that blend education, research, and hands-on learning. At Lincoln, students are at the heart of everything we do, empower them to grow their potential and contribute to a more sustainably productive world through world-class teaching and research.
As a progressive university with an ambitious vision, we value a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Our staff engage with students, parents, government, iwi, and external stakeholders, upholding Lincoln University’s reputation through their work.
Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments begin with mana whenua. We honour our special relationship with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, embedded in our He Tūtohinga Whakamātau | Charter of Understanding.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Ready to apply? Submit your CV and a cover letter that highlights your fit - tell us why you want this role and what motivates you to join Lincoln University.
Applications received via email will not be considered, however specific enquiry relating to the role can be made to [email protected]
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
View the position description at: https://careers.lincoln.ac.nz
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Job Description:
24-month fixed term role conducting innovative research to develop soil bacteria solutions that reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Mō te tūka | The role
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge environmental research, based in our Centre for Soil and Environmental Research (CSER) team. You’ll play a key role in advancing bacterial-based technologies that support climate resilience and sustainable agricultural systems.
Working closely with researchers and collaborators, you’ll design and deliver experiments, analyse data, and contribute to high-impact research programmes funded by the New Zealand Ag-Emissions Centre. You’ll also engage with colleagues across the University and support postgraduate research activity.
Some tasks of the role include:
- Design and deliver soil microbiology and molecular biology experiments
- Isolate and characterise soil bacteria using advanced techniques
- Analyse bacterial DNA using bioinformatics tools
- Measure nitrous oxide emissions from cultures and soil systems
- Analyse data and contribute to research reports and publications
- Collaborate with research teams and support postgraduate students
Mahi & Wāhi / Utu | Work pattern, location & salary
This two-year fixed term role is based at our Lincoln Campus and works 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
The salary for this position is fixed at $75,000 per annum.
Kā tino Pūkeka/Whēako | Essential skills/experience for the role
You will bring:
- A PhD in soil microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with microbial isolation, culturing, DNA techniques and sequencing
- Strong data analysis skills, including Excel, statistics, or modelling
- A track record (or emerging record) of research and publication
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment and contribute to a positive team culture
Kā hua ka riro ki a koe | What's in it for you?
Join a supportive, inclusive community that values diversity, wellbeing, and professional growth. Benefits include:
- Flexible, family‑friendly work + free on‑site parking
- Professional development & mentorship to grow your career
- Generous leave entitlements – five weeks of paid leave per year (based on 1.0 FTE)
- Free, confidential wellbeing support through Clearhead (EAP)
- Southern Cross employee benefits
- Access to on‑campus gym with discounted membership
- On‑site early childhood centre with staff discounts
- A vibrant campus lifestyle with cafés, green spaces, and a sense of community
Mō mātou | About us
Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University is a specialist institution dedicated to impactful research and higher education that supports land-based industries in New Zealand and globally.
Our campus sits at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, complemented by university-owned farms and research stations that blend education, research, and hands-on learning. At Lincoln, students are at the heart of everything we do, empower them to grow their potential and contribute to a more sustainably productive world through world-class teaching and research.
As a progressive university with an ambitious vision, we value a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Our staff engage with students, parents, government, iwi, and external stakeholders, upholding Lincoln University’s reputation through their work.
Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments begin with mana whenua. We honour our special relationship with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, embedded in our He Tūtohinga Whakamātau | Charter of Understanding.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Ready to apply? Submit your CV and a cover letter that highlights your fit - tell us why you want this role and what motivates you to join Lincoln University.
Applications received via email will not be considered, however specific enquiry relating to the role can be made to [email protected]
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
View the position description at: https://careers.lincoln.ac.nz
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