"Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow, Applied AI for Forestry Weed Detection and Mapping"

Job Description:

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow, Applied AI for Forestry Weed Detection and Mapping to join our team at the College of Science and Engineering in the Academy Division.

• Full-time and fixed-term for twelve months with the possibility of extension
• Located at the Cairns Nguma-bada campus in Tropical North Queensland
• ACAD Level A or B, depending on qualifications and experience $100,360.50 - $112,810.47p.a. + super and other benefits.

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences Engineering and Veterinary Science.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity

This industry-sponsored research role offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the frontier of AI, robotics, and environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will help develop intelligent vegetation monitoring systems capable of detecting and identifying weeds in forestry plantations and mapping fire-prone vegetation from aerial imagery.

The project covers the entire innovation journey, from data collection and model development to real-world deployment. A major outcome of this position is the creation of an advanced AI system that will be integrated into an automated robotic platform to guide precision weed removal in forestry environments. This capability will directly support large-scale reforestation and sustainable land management.

Your work will contribute to practical, high-impact technologies that enable more resilient forests, improved seedling survival, and smarter fire-risk mitigation across Northern Australia.

What you can bring to the role

• A PhD or (near completion) in computer science, electrical engineering, AI, machine learning, remote sensing, robotics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise and research track record in deep learning and computer vision, including experience with semantic segmentation, multiple object detection, classification, or vegetation/weed identification using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Proven ability to work with real-world imagery, including dataset design, annotation workflows, preprocessing, and handling challenging outdoor environmental and real-world conditions.
• Experience developing and evaluating AI models for deployment, including rigorous performance assessment and translating research models into tools suitable for robotic or field applications.
• Demonstrated capability to collaborate effectively with industry or external partners, including incorporating stakeholder requirements into system design and communicating technical concepts clearly to non-academic audiences.
• Evidence of independent research capability, including planning and executing complex tasks, solving technical challenges creatively, and managing project responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills, including high-quality technical reporting, academic publishing, and the ability to present research outcomes clearly to both academic and industry audiences.
• Experience with RGB-D or stereo imagery, multimodal fusion, lightweight or real-time inference models, on-robot AI, or related environmental and agricultural computer vision techniques. (Desirable)
• Experience collecting imagery or environmental data in forestry, agricultural, or outdoor settings, with drone operation capability (RePL/ReOC) considered an advantage. (Desirable)
• Demonstrated track record of contributing to AI systems used in operational workflows, robotic platforms, or field applications, and experience in industry-funded or industry-collaborative research programs. (Desirable)

Shape your future with JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU and our locations.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes and sporting fitness.

How to Apply and Contact Details

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as specified in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on 20 January 2026 AEST.