Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow - Agricultural Remote Sensing And Spatial Analytics

Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow - Agricultural Remote Sensing and Spatial Analytics
Level B/C
School of Science & Technology, Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre

• Fixed-term for 2 years, full-time,Current UNE Staff: In taking up this appointment, please be aware your current fixed term or permanent role will cease the day prior to you taking this position
• $104,596 to $123,964 per annum (Level B), $127,836 to $147207 per annum (Level C)
• Plus 17% employer superannuation
• Salary packaging options are available
• 4 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum
• flexible, work from home or hybrid may be considered
• Relocation assistance provided
• Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position (UNE will not provide sponsorship for this position)

The University of New England (UNE) is a regionally based, globally networked university renowned for the quality of its student experience and the excellence of its research specialisations. In addition, UNE pioneered teaching to external students making it the most experienced provider of distance and innovative online education.
UNE emphasises its people, staff and students' growth and development. We aspire to be a leader in innovation and change and a centre for the Armidale and the North-West communities.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the core values of UNE and we are committed to engaging, supporting and growing a richly diverse workforce. From the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the heart of our campus, to the inclusive organisations such as the UNE Ally Network, the UNE Women's Society, and the many international cultural groups - all will feel valued and respected at UNE.
You will embody the UNE values and strive to be Open, Enquiring, Exceptional and Making a Difference. Additionally, you will be committed to achieving the goals embedded in the Future Fit Strategic Plan Future Fit 2021-2030: Personalised Learning Journeys, Empowering Communities, and Building Resilience.
About the role
The successful candidate will work with fellow researchers on a number of industry funded research projects, undertaking Remote Sensing and Spatial Analytics for the modelling and prediction of parameters identified by industry to be of key importance. These parameters include crop health, phenology, yield and quality. Additionally, the successful candidate will assist with:

• development of project ideas and subsequent applications for funding;
• contributing to project reporting;
• engagement with industry and project collaborators;
• presentation of results at industry forums;
• academic publications;
• engagement with other AARSC staff and wider UNE disciplines.

The appointment level (level B or C) will be based on the competencies and relevant experience of the successful candidate as displayed through the written application and interview process.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience in the analysis of remotely sensed data (satellite, airborne, UAV and ground based imaging systems), and in the use of programming languages such as Python and R. Experience with cloud-based geo-information platforms (e.g. Google Earth Engine, Digital Earth Australia), meteorological data, machine learning (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), time-series analysis and the ability to undertake fieldwork in rural environments are desirable. Understanding of plant physiology and agronomy is also desirable.
About the Faculty
AARSC is a multi-disciplinary group of research staff engaged in the development of applied Remote Sensing outcomes for many horticultural and agricultural industries both domestically and internationally. The team successfully obtains funding from multiple sources including Rural Development Corporations (RDCs), State and Federal Governments, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and directly from industry.
The team have established a strong global reputation academically, as demonstrated by their publications and by their industry engagement. In 2023, the AARSC was invited to present the `AgTech and Remote Sensing keynote addresses at the World Avocado Forum (Auckland), International Banana Conference (Miami) and International Macadamia Conference (Durban). Additionally, the AARSC have been awarded the leading research group for Australian Earth Observation (2022), ESRI best dashboard (2022), best use of high-resolution imagery in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania by MAXAR Technologies (2021) and the 2021 Industry Innovation Award by the Australian Macadamia Society.
About Armidale
Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale's natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit
Enquiries and additional information
To discuss this role please contact Professor Andrew Robson, Professor of Applied Agricultural Technology, email: , phone 0417 322 137.
Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 8 January 2024
Reference No: 223244
To Apply
Please submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:
i. Covering letter;
ii. Responses to selection criteria;
iii. Current CV;
iv. Certified qualifications cited in your application for this position.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment checks
For further information about this position, please see the Position Statement below.
Please visit for further information about this position and other career opportunities at UNE.