Postdoctoral Research Fellow (A) in Applied Economics or forensic accounting of Illegal Wildlife Trade

Level A) $78,544 - $109,307 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position for 2 years.

This applied economics of forensic accounting position of illegal wildlife trade offers a unique opportunity to work in the Wildlife Crime Research Hub as part of the ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship program, Combatting Wildlife Crime and Preventing Environmental Harm at one of Australia’s leading research institutions, the University of Adelaide. We are seeking an enthusiastic applied economist or forensic accountant to contribute to our expanding research program focused on understanding and disrupting the financial underpinnings of the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), with particular emphasis on tracing and analysing illicit financial flows, trade-based money laundering, and the economics of transnational environmental crime.

The successful candidate will be appointed to a two-year fixed-term, research-intensive position supported by Professor Cassey’s ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship, Combatting Wildlife Crime and Preventing Environmental Harm. The role offers close collaboration with forensic scientists, conservation biologists, criminologists, economists, and policy experts, providing a highly interdisciplinary platform for conducting impactful economic research.

To be successful you will need :

• PhD in applied economics, forensic accounting, ecological economics, criminology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research ability in the economic analysis of illicit markets, financial crime, trade economics, or related areas, as evidenced by a strong record of data analysis, modelling, and scholarly publication.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations in relevant fields.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate clearly and effectively in English with both academic and non-academic stakeholders.
• Capacity to manage research activities in coordination with Professor Cassey and the wider team of researchers at the Wildlife Crime Research Hub.
• This position requires a valid National Police Check.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include : salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at :

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Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

Learn more at :

au / jobs

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11 : 55pm, 13th of July 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact :

Professor Phill Cassey

School of Biological Sciences

P : +61 (8) 831 34042

You'll find a full selection criteria below :  (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

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

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and / or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.

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