"Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Forest Monitoring"

About Western

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.

For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie.

The Opportunity

Join a pioneering project funded by the Australian Forest & Wood Innovation Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry, where your expertise will help shape the future of forest monitoring across Australia. This newly created position plays a central role in developing a prototype open-data platform to monitor the structure, condition, and carbon stocks of Australian forests. You’ll work with ground-based and remotely-sensed datasets and contribute to a national roadmap for forest monitoring.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting the development of the open-data platform and national forest monitoring roadmap
• Identifying and sourcing relevant ground-based and remote-sensing datasets
• Collaborating with project partners and data owners to establish robust data management practices
• Aggregating, storing, and integrating diverse datasets for case study areas

This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for 1.5 years based on the Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, New South Wales. Travel to other campuses of the University may be required.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Forest Monitoring.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a data-driven problem solver with a PhD (or near completion) in environmental science, remote sensing, data science, or a related field. You’ll have experience managing large spatial datasets, applying machine learning techniques, and working with open data principles. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to present results to diverse audiences and contribute to scientific publications. You’ll also bring excellent organisational skills and a collaborative mindset to deliver timely, impactful outcomes across multiple stakeholders.

If you’re passionate about climate-smart solutions, join us in making a real impact on Australia’s forestry future.

Remuneration Package

Academic Level A $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,248 to $115,074 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Closing Date

11:59pm, Tuesday 30 September 2025

Position Enquiries

Please direct enquires about the role to Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn via email at B.Medlyn@westernsydney.edu.au.

Recruitment Enquiries

Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

Working Rights in Australia – Eligibility

You must provide evidence of your fulltime working rights in Australia at time of application.