"Drones CRP Specialist"

Job Description:

• Sustainable Minerals Institute
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $114,824.05 - $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level B)
• Base salary will be in the range $140,293.64 - $161,518.33 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level C)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Lead the development of novel and conventional geophysical sensing capabilities for the newly established Drones CRP. We’re seeking a motivated researcher or engineer at either Academic Level B or Academic Level C to drive innovation in drone-based geophysics, expand capabilities, and deliver impactful outcomes.

The role involves collaboration with clients, partners, and internal teams, with opportunities to supervise HDR students and contribute to major funding applications. Reporting to the Drones CRP Director, you’ll work closely with the Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller. If you’re passionate about aviation, cutting-edge technology, and making a difference—join us!

Key responsibilities will include:

The position is responsible for enabling the team to integrate geophysical sensors on drones. We have an initial focus on aeromagnetic and electromagnetic devices. The future of the CRP also extends to interest in radar, gravity and other technologies.

• Advise the Director of the Drones CRP on technology and research direction in drone-based geophysics and, develop the CRP strategy and business plan for this technology with team inputs.
• Work with the Maintenance Controller to attach and calibrate various geophysical instruments to drones, ensuring proper integration and functionality.
• Develop, document, and refine workflows and operational standards for data collection using geophysical sensors, establishing QA/QC protocols to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and reliability.
• Collaborate with research teams to understand specific project requirements and provide technical support.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices in drone-based geophysical surveys and interpretation.
• Provide support during field campaigns and be willing to travel to conferences and stakeholder meetings to represent the CRP or present project results.
• Demonstrate the potential to interpret geophysical data and develop software tools to enable researchers to accelerate interpretation.

This is a research focused, platform academic position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About You

• A postgraduate qualification in geophysics, geophysical engineering, mechatronics, or related disciplines, or an experienced industry professional with enthusiasm and demonstrated ability to self-learn.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of working with multidisciplinary teams and relate effectively with researchers, peers and staff.
• Proven experience with the operation of geophysical instruments, including problem-solving skills with a focus on helping integrate them into other platforms.
• Knowledge of industry standards related to geophysical data collection, QA/QC, and data management.
• Ability to develop and document workflows, operational procedures, and quality standards.
• Experience with travel to remote regions and ability to troubleshoot in non-ideal situations.
• Good networks across the research sector, industry and/or government and the ability to use these to identify and generate projects and oversee their delivery.
• Experience with the geological interpretation of geophysical data.
• Experience with code development and the potential to build novel software solutions for data interpretation will be viewed positively.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite s.micklethwaite@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter responding to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.