Senior Principal Research Engineer

• School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

• Full-time fixed term position through to end of 2027

• Base salary will be in the range $111,154.58 - $124,619.84 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)

• Based at Gatton Campus with some travel to St Lucia or other remote sites when required

About This Opportunity 

The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) was established in 2009 under the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) to develop a globally collaborative plant phenomics capability that provides leadership in infrastructure, skills and service for agricultural research and industry to maximise the productivity in Australia’s unique and variable environment. UQ join APPN in 2024 to provide access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and expertise in plant phenomics in controlled environments and in the field. The collaborative nature of the facility helps accelerate knowledge transfer, increases cross-disciplinary collaboration and promotes data sharing to ensure Australia continues to be a serious international contender and attractive collaborative partner in the rapidly developing field of plant phenomics.

We are currently seeking a Senior Principal Research Engineer (Plant Phenomics) to join our dynamic team. This senior professional specialist will work as part of a research team to provide high-level, specialist technical research expertise to scientific research projects, programs and initiatives. This role involves the design and application of proximal sensing technologies and specialised equipment used in high-throughput plant phenotyping.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working as part of a senior research team, provide specialist expertise on appropriate research methods, techniques, approaches and methodologies in the field of proximal and remote sensing for high-throughput plant phenotyping, as relevant to a range of agronomy, broadacre crop physiology and trait pre-breeding projects.

• Undertake advanced elements of design, maintenance and application of customised sensor networks and specialist equipment used for high throughput plant phenotyping, including the programming of sensor operating systems and data output analysis pipelines, in collaboration with senior research stakeholders.

• Train and supervise researchers and students in the use of highly specialised equipment and software programs to collate and analyse high-quality research data.

• Design, test and build hardware solutions for research needs or project deliverables, and design and implement testing and verification procedures to identify issues with operating equipment.

• Contribute to the development and specification of new research projects.

• Provide technical support for field-based and control environment research and data collection, with regards to the support and delivery of operations and sensors and liaison with equipment and maintenance providers.

• Lead research quality assurance and improvement activities and advise senior research stakeholders on technological developments and advances in the field of proximal sensing.

• Contribute to the senior research team in other aspects of field work in conjunction with physiology and pre-breeding field and glass-house projects.

• Lead research quality assurance and improvement activities and advise senior research stakeholders on technological developments and advances in the field of proximal sensing.

• Contribute to the senior research team in other aspects of field work in conjunction with physiology and pre-breeding field and glass-house projects.

• Complete general administration duties associated with APPN including the preparation of reports, ensuring safe working practices, WHS requirements and compliance protocols for regulatory requirements are met.

Safety

• Lead a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement.

• Ensure staff adhere to a high standard of occupational health and safety standards and systems, including inductions, supervision and equipment training registers.

• Comply with Safe Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments and safety processes.

About UQ’s Gatton Campus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz0lmtJ3YQg

Established over 125 years ago, UQ’s Gatton Campus has a long history – from starting out as a dedicated agricultural institution, to being a field hospital during WWII, and to joining the UQ community in 1990.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join an organisation where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Free parking and intercampus bus

• On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• UQ Study for Staff

• 25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services

• Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility

• Volunteer in our community garden

About You

• Completion of a post graduate qualification in Electrical/mechatronic engineer or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

• Experience in the application of Data science in agricultural research

• Skills base appropriate for the application of proximal sensing technology for high-throughput plant phenotyping.

• Advanced technical capabilities in using Python and other programming languages and to handle large data sets.

• Strong Technical Capabilities in CAD software for component design for manufacture

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to liaise effectively with a range of research and scientific staff to deliver customised technology solutions for various plant research applications and provide training.

• A Remote Pilot’s License (RePL) multirotor <25kg would be highly desirable or the ability to obtain such accreditation on appointment.

• An ability to establish effective relationships to represent and promote the research area at a university and wider community level, including industry, government and professional bodies.

• Experience in a research or experimental farm setting, particularly within a university or scientific institution.

• Advanced knowledge of precision agriculture technologies. Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, collecting and analysing high volume, complex research data and writing technical reports

• Competency in troubleshooting technical issues with advanced agricultural equipment and technology/software platforms.

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, Right to work in Australia, criminal history and education checks.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact appn@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close January 12th 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-46649).