Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Science

About This Opportunity

The University of Queensland is strengthening its national research capability in plant phenomics through its participation in the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN). Established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, APPN provides cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise to advance agricultural productivity across Australia’s diverse production environments. UQ joined APPN in 2024, creating new opportunities for ambitious researchers to work at the intersection of advanced sensing technologies, computation and plant science.

Working under the broad direction of the UQ Node Director, you will contribute specialist expertise in high-throughput and 3D plant phenotyping, support delivery of national research infrastructure, and play a leading role in developing APPN capabilities at UQ. The role combines hands-on research, platform leadership and collaboration with industry, government and academic partners in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing specialist research expertise in proximal sensing and high-throughput plant phenotyping methods to support agronomy, broadacre crop physiology and trait pre-breeding projects.
• Leading 3D imaging, point cloud analysis and simulation studies, including design of experiments, data analysis and preparation of research outputs for publication.
• Managing and overseeing deployment of UAV and ground-based phenotyping platforms for field and controlled-environment research trials.
• Supporting the effective operation of APPN at UQ through training, supervision, technical troubleshooting, reporting and compliance with WHS and regulatory requirements.

Research Focused

You will contribute to high-quality, impactful research outcomes through methodological innovation, data analysis, peer-reviewed publication and engagement with national and international collaborators.

Citizenship and Service

You will demonstrate responsible research conduct, contribute to team culture, support shared infrastructure, and engage constructively with clients and stakeholders of the APPN-UQ node.

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

About You

You will bring advanced technical expertise, intellectual curiosity and collaborative leadership to this nationally significant research platform. You will demonstrate:

• Completion of a PhD in 3D-based phenotyping analytics or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications and at least four years’ experience in plant phenomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, managing and analysing 3D plant-based point models and spatial datasets within research or institutional environments.
• Strong capability in mathematical and statistical programming languages such as R and Python, with experience developing and using 3D models.
• A strong record of research outputs through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
• Advanced knowledge of precision agriculture technologies and experience handling complex, high-volume datasets.
• Excellent communication, consultative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary research teams and external partners.
• A current Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability and leadership experience within research or teaching environments.