About This Opportunity

We are seeking 2 skilled and innovative Senior Research Technicians to support the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) UQ node, combining practical field and control environment expertise with advanced technology. In this role, you will operate farm and glasshouse machinery, UAVs, and field-based phenotyping platforms across field sites, glasshouses, and controlled environments, contributing to nationally significant research that advances Australian agriculture. The ideal candidate will have a background in agronomy and/or horticulture knowledge of weed management and precision agriculture, and a strong interest in applying emerging technologies to deliver high-quality, impactful research outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Operate and maintain agricultural and research equipment – Safely and accurately operate tractors, planters, sprayers, harvesters, UAVs, and ground-based phenotyping platforms, including routine maintenance and minor repairs.
• Manage irrigation and field operations – Oversee irrigation systems and support deployment of field and control environment
• Should have experience in data process and analisys in alignment with research protocols and environmental conditions.
• Support high-throughput research – Apply advanced phenotyping techniques and assist with designing studies to ensure efficient, high-quality data collection.
• Collaborate with research teams – Work closely with researchers and farm staff to plan and implement trials, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Ensure safety and compliance – Maintain a safe working environment, uphold research housekeeping standards, and manage chemicals, samples, and equipment inventories responsibly.

About UQ’s Gatton Campus

Established over 125 years ago, UQ’s Gatton Campus has a long history – from starting out as a dedicated agricultural institution, to being a field hospital during WWII, and to joining the UQ community in 1990.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join an organisation where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Free parking and intercampus bus
• On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office
• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• 25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services
• Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility
• Volunteer in our community garden

About You

• Qualifications and Experience: Relevant degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or a related discipline, with experience coordinating agricultural or research activities; or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience. Experience in a research or experimental farm environment, particularly within a university or scientific institution, is highly regarded.
• Licences and Accreditations: Current manual driver’s licence and eligibility to operate farm vehicles and heavy machinery. Current ChemCert and/or ACDC accreditation for agricultural chemical handling, with the ability to lead and train others in safe chemical practices. A Remote Pilot’s License (RePL) is highly desirable, or the ability to obtain it on appointment.
• Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in agronomy, weed management, and precision agriculture. Familiarity with UAV operation, ground-based phenotyping technologies, and high-throughput research platforms, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tools. Competence in troubleshooting technical issues with advanced agricultural equipment is highly regarded.
• Collaboration and Work Style: Excellent problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and a collaborative approach to working with research and technical teams. Flexibility to work across field and controlled environments, with willingness to work weekends or after hours if required.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Commitment to workplace health and safety, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Must maintain facial hair that does not interfere with the fit or function of tight-fitting respiratory protection.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Carla Gho Brito at appn@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
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday March 23 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number R-61221). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday 7 April 2026.