"Principal Research Engineer (Plant Phenomics)"

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 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 <25kg would be highly desirable or the ability to obtain such accreditation on appointment.
• An ability to establish effective relationships to represent and promote the research area at a university and wider community level, including industry, government and professional bodies.
• Experience in a research or experimental farm setting, particularly within a university or scientific institution.
• Advanced knowledge of precision agriculture technologies. Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, collecting and analysing high volume, complex research data and writing technical reports .
• Competency in troubleshooting technical issues with advanced agricultural equipment and technology/software platforms.
• Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity

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.

Applications close Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60874).

To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume, A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section.