Principal Research Engineer

Job Description

Faculty of Science / School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

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

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

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 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.

Benefits

Free parking and intercampus bus

On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office

Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave

17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

Career development opportunities – access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies and our Study for Staff programme

25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services

Access to our $4.1 million UQ Sports facility

Volunteer in our community garden

About You

Completion of a postgraduate qualification in Electrical/mechatronic engineering 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 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

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.

In support of our Indigenous employment strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We value lived experience, community connection and diverse career pathways.

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. 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 carla.gho@uq.edu.au.

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 Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 11.00 pm AEST (R-60874). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Thursday 12 March 2026.

Posted 10/02/2026

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