Sustainable Minerals Institute
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $114,824.05 - $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level B)
Base salary will be in the range $140,293.64 - $161,518.33 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level C)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
Lead the development of novel and conventional geophysical sensing capabilities for the newly established Drones CRP. We’re seeking a motivated researcher or engineer at either Academic Level B or Academic Level C to drive innovation in drone-based geophysics, expand capabilities, and deliver impactful outcomes.
The role involves collaboration with clients, partners, and internal teams, with opportunities to supervise HDR students and contribute to major funding applications. Reporting to the Drones CRP Director, you’ll work closely with the Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller. If you’re passionate about aviation, cutting-edge technology, and making a difference—join us!
Key responsibilities will include:
The position is responsible for enabling the team to integrate geophysical sensors on drones. We have an initial focus on aeromagnetic and electromagnetic devices. The future of the CRP also extends to interest in radar, gravity and other technologies.
Advise the Director of the Drones CRP on technology and research direction in drone-based geophysics and, develop the CRP strategy and business plan for this technology with team inputs.
Work with the Maintenance Controller to attach and calibrate various geophysical instruments to drones, ensuring proper integration and functionality.
Develop, document, and refine workflows and operational standards for data collection using geophysical sensors, establishing QA/QC protocols to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and reliability.
Collaborate with research teams to understand specific project requirements and provide technical support.
Maintain compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices in drone-based geophysical surveys and interpretation.
Provide support during field campaigns and be willing to travel to conferences and stakeholder meetings to represent the CRP or present project results.
Demonstrate the potential to interpret geophysical data and develop software tools to enable researchers to accelerate interpretation.
This is a research focused, platform academic position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
A postgraduate qualification in geophysics, geophysical engineering, mechatronics, or related disciplines, or an experienced industry professional with enthusiasm and demonstrated ability to self-learn.
Excellent communication skills, capable of working with multidisciplinary teams and relate effectively with researchers, peers and staff.
Proven experience with the operation of geophysical instruments, including problem-solving skills with a focus on helping integrate them into other platforms.
Knowledge of industry standards related to geophysical data collection, QA/QC, and data management.
Ability to develop and document workflows, operational procedures, and quality standards.
Experience with travel to remote regions and ability to troubleshoot in non-ideal situations.
Good networks across the research sector, industry and/or government and the ability to use these to identify and generate projects and oversee their delivery.
Experience with the geological interpretation of geophysical data.
Experience with code development and the potential to build novel software solutions for data interpretation will be viewed positively.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite s.micklethwaite@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:
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. 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 Thursday 15 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57878). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late January.
