Principal Research Engineer at University of Queensland

Gatton, Queensland, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 May, 26

Salary

113920.12

Posted On

10 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Data Science, Proximal Sensing Technology, High-Throughput Plant Phenomics, Python, CAD Software, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Technical Leadership, Quantitative Research Methodologies, Qualitative Research Methodologies, Troubleshooting, Precision Agriculture Technologies, Research Data Analysis, Training

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Faculty of Science / School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability Full-time fixed-term position through to end of 2027 Base salary will be in the range $104,616.68 - $113,920.12 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7) Based at our Gatton Campus About This Opportunity We’re looking for a Principal Research Engineer (Plant Phenomics) to provide high-level specialist expertise within the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) at UQ. APPN is a nationally significant research capability established under the Australian Government’s NCRIS program, delivering world-class plant phenomics infrastructure, skills and services to support agricultural research and industry. Since joining APPN in 2024, UQ has expanded access to cutting-edge phenomics platforms across controlled environments and field-based systems, contributing to a highly collaborative, data-driven national network. In this senior specialist role, you will work alongside leading researchers to design and apply advanced proximal sensing technologies and high-throughput phenotyping systems. You will play a key role in enabling impactful research, accelerating knowledge translation, and strengthening Australia’s global leadership in plant phenomics. Key responsibilities will include: Provide senior specialist expertise in proximal and remote sensing for high-throughput plant phenotyping, supporting agronomy, broadacre crop physiology and trait pre-breeding research. Design, build, program and maintain advanced sensor networks, customised hardware and data analysis pipelines, delivering reliable, high-quality phenomics data across field and controlled environments. Lead training and supervision of researchers and students in the use of highly specialised equipment, software and data workflows, fostering technical capability and best practice. Support the development and delivery of research projects through technical leadership, quality assurance, field operations support, and engagement with equipment and maintenance providers. Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with WHS requirements, safe operating procedures, risk assessments and continuous improvement initiatives. About UQ’s Gatton Campus 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 Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program 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

Responsibilities

Provide senior specialist expertise in proximal and remote sensing for high-throughput plant phenotyping. Design and maintain advanced sensor networks and lead training for researchers and students.