Sustainable Minerals Institute The University of Queensland (UQ) Position Details Full-time (100%), fixed-term for up to 2 years Level B: $114,824.05 – $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation Level C: $140,293.64 – $161,518.33 + 17% Superannuation Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia About This Opportunity The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) invites applications for a researcher or engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge geophysical sensing capabilities within the newly established Drones Collaborative Research Program (CRP). We are seeking a motivated individual at Academic Level B or C to drive innovation in drone-based geophysics, expand operational and analytical capabilities, and deliver impactful research outcomes. You will collaborate with external partners, internal multidisciplinary teams, and HDR students, while also contributing to major funding applications. The role reports to the Director of the Drones CRP and works closely with the Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller. If you are passionate about aviation, advanced sensing technologies, and applied geophysics—this role offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Strategy Advise the Drones CRP Director on emerging technologies and research direction. Lead development of CRP strategies and business plans for drone-based geophysics. Identify new research opportunities through industry, government, and research-sector engagement. Sensor Integration & Operations Integrate and calibrate geophysical sensors on drones (initially aeromagnetic and EM systems; future expansion to radar, gravity, etc.). Ensure compliance with industry and safety standards. Contribute to field campaigns, with willingness to travel. Workflow & Data Quality Develop and document workflows, operational procedures, and QA/QC standards for data acquisition. Maintain robust data integrity and management protocols. Research & Innovation Interpret geophysical data and support development of data analysis tools. Build software solutions to accelerate geophysical data interpretation (highly regarded). Provide technical support for diverse research projects. Supervision & Engagement Supervise HDR students. Represent the CRP at conferences, industry meetings, and stakeholder events. About You Essential Qualifications & Experience Postgraduate qualification in: Geophysics, Geophysical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline OR Substantial industry experience with demonstrated self-learning capability Proven experience operating geophysical instruments and integrating them into platforms. Strong communication skills and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge of geophysical data standards, QA/QC, and data management. Experience documenting workflows and operational procedures. Willingness to travel and ability to troubleshoot in remote environments. Networks across industry, government, or academia, and ability to initiate projects. Experience interpreting geophysical data. Desirable Experience with software development and building novel analytical tools. Additional Information Pre-employment checks may include right-to-work and education verification. UQ may support employer-sponsored visas and relocation assistance. UQ is committed to an equitable and inclusive hiring process, and applicants who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late January. Questions? Role enquiries: Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite Email: s.micklethwaite@uq.edu.au Application logistics: Talent Acquisition team Email: talent@uq.edu.au Include the job reference number: R-57878 How to Apply Submit the following documents: Resume Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section If you require an alternate application method due to accessibility needs, contact talent@uq.edu.au. Application Deadline: Thursday, 15 January 2026 – 11:00pm AEST Job Reference Number: R-57878 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

Sustainable Minerals Institute
The University of Queensland (UQ)

Position Details

Full-time (100%), fixed-term for up to 2 years
Level B: $114,824.05 – $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation
Level C: $140,293.64 – $161,518.33 + 17% Superannuation
Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia

About This Opportunity

The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) invites applications for a researcher or engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge geophysical sensing capabilities within the newly established Drones Collaborative Research Program (CRP).

We are seeking a motivated individual at Academic Level B or C to drive innovation in drone-based geophysics, expand operational and analytical capabilities, and deliver impactful research outcomes.

You will collaborate with external partners, internal multidisciplinary teams, and HDR students, while also contributing to major funding applications. The role reports to the Director of the Drones CRP and works closely with the Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller.

If you are passionate about aviation, advanced sensing technologies, and applied geophysics—this role offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Strategy

Advise the Drones CRP Director on emerging technologies and research direction.
Lead development of CRP strategies and business plans for drone-based geophysics.
Identify new research opportunities through industry, government, and research-sector engagement.

Sensor Integration & Operations

Integrate and calibrate geophysical sensors on drones (initially aeromagnetic and EM systems; future expansion to radar, gravity, etc.).
Ensure compliance with industry and safety standards.
Contribute to field campaigns, with willingness to travel.

Workflow & Data Quality

Develop and document workflows, operational procedures, and QA/QC standards for data acquisition.
Maintain robust data integrity and management protocols.

Research & Innovation

Interpret geophysical data and support development of data analysis tools.
Build software solutions to accelerate geophysical data interpretation (highly regarded).
Provide technical support for diverse research projects.

Supervision & Engagement

Supervise HDR students.
Represent the CRP at conferences, industry meetings, and stakeholder events.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Postgraduate qualification in:
- Geophysics, Geophysical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
  OR
- Substantial industry experience with demonstrated self-learning capability
Proven experience operating geophysical instruments and integrating them into platforms.
Strong communication skills and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
Knowledge of geophysical data standards, QA/QC, and data management.
Experience documenting workflows and operational procedures.
Willingness to travel and ability to troubleshoot in remote environments.
Networks across industry, government, or academia, and ability to initiate projects.
Experience interpreting geophysical data.

Desirable

Experience with software development and building novel analytical tools.

Additional Information

Pre-employment checks may include right-to-work and education verification.
UQ may support employer-sponsored visas and relocation assistance.
UQ is committed to an equitable and inclusive hiring process, and applicants who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late January.

Questions?

Role enquiries: Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite
Email: s.micklethwaite@uq.edu.au
Application logistics: Talent Acquisition team
Email: talent@uq.edu.au
Include the job reference number: R-57878