Research Scientist – Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Modelling
The Superpower Institute
The Superpower Institute's (TSI’s) mission is to help Australia seize the extraordinary economic opportunities of a world transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions. TSI is seeking to advance Australian prosperity and to contribute to global decarbonisation, based on Professor Ross Garnaut’s analysis in his book, The Superpower Transformation.
Central to TSI’s mission is advancing Australia’s contribution to reducing global emissions through leveraging its comparative advantages in the production of zero emission exports. This comparative advantage could underpin investment and employment for the Australian economy for decades.
TSI works across the building blocks of the Superpower Economy (renewable energy, green hydrogen, land carbon, minerals processing), the main potential export products of this economy (green iron and green steel, other energy intensive green mineral processing, green transport fuels, green chemicals) and the enablers of this economy (economic and fiscal policy, trade policy, regional economic development, renewable energy integration, finance, Indigenous economic development). TSI is undertaking its work through the development of high quality, easily accessible research and analysis and seeks to expand knowledge, policy development and communications, and engagement to change the public narrative and public policy.
Homepage: https://www.superpowerinstitute.com.au/
Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Soil System Sciences (SSS)
TSI is seeking a high calibre Research Scientist to provide critical quantitative and qualitative analytical capability in areas relevant to our work. The position will report to TSI’s Chief Scientist and work collaboratively across a multi-disciplinary team.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to TSI’s mission and be able to work closely and collaboratively with other TSI subject matter leaders, technical experts, policy leads and leadership across energy, economics, data and other program streams.
One of Australia's sources of comparative advantage is in the production of biomass as a feedstock for green carbon industries such as low-carbon aviation and shipping fuels. Leveraging this advantage is part of TSI's vision of Australia as an energy superpower in the low carbon world.
TSI is carrying out an end-to-end analysis of the science, engineering, economics and policy needed to support this low carbon liquid fuels industry. You will join a team with expertise across these areas. Your role will be to assess prospects for various classes of biomass, including horticultural, forestry and agriculture, throughout Australia, accounting for:
- Likely yield
- The net carbon balance of growth and harvesting (especially changes in soil carbon)
- The impact of rapidly changing climate on their viability
- Impact on hydrology
The task will use state-of-the-art terrestrial carbon cycle models customised for Australia and parameterised for the vegetation types in question.
The duration of this role is two years, with a possibility to extend to three years and includes a six month probation. The vacancy is located in Melbourne with hybrid working arrangements, but alternative locations will be considered for the right candidate
To apply, send a 1-2 page cover letter and a CV to jobs@superpowerinstitute.com.au
Applications close 30 March 2026.