Principal Research Engineer

Principal Research Engineer (Plant Phenomics)

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.

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.